13 Kenyans shot with live bullets during Finance Bill protests - Amnesty International

In a statement, Amnesty highlighted that 13 people were shot with live bullets, four with rubber bullets and 3 sustained injuries after been hit with teargas canisters.

As a result, over 31 people were injured and five people were shot dead during the protests. 

Amnesty also called out the mysterious disappearances orchestrated by uniformed and non-uniformed officers in the past 24 hours. 

These included Shadrack Kiprono (now released), Kevin Monari, Zadock Nyamari Monari, Gabriel Oguda, Andrew Mwangi, John Frank Ngemi, Avugwi Chagusia, Chebet Kirui (Nakuru), Brian Nzavi Ngula, Harriet Nyongesa, Chebet Kirui and Ernest Nyerere (now released).

The global body appealed to the State to stop using live ammunition on unarmed medical personnel who were trying to access those injured. 

Further, they urged the government to stop issuing threats to shut down media houses. This is after KTN alleged that they received threats to shut down over coverage of the protests. 

“We urge the State and all parties to de-escalate the situation and stop the use of lethal force to protect life,” the statement read in part. 

“We urge the authorities to desist from reportedly threatening the mass media houses. We appeal for safe medical corridors for all medical personnel and ambulances to access the injured. The scenes of police officers shooting at medical emergency center at Holy Basilica must cease immediately.”

 In an unprecedented move, protestors breached parliament and managed to access several protected areas in Nairobi and its environs including City hall. This led to running battles between the anti-riot officers and demonstrators in a battle that lasted for hours. 

As a result, several gunshots were fired outside parliament in an attempt by the police to restore peace. This, however, did not deter the protestors who continued with the demonstrations.