Maandamano Wednesday: 9 protesters killed during Azimio demonstrations
A cloud of smoke littered the atmosphere in
many towns for the better part of Wednesday; a mixture of bonfires lit by
protesters, and smoke from teargas canisters lobbed by the police.
This was a day of protests against the
government that had been pronounced illegal by the police for lacking notice.
The protesters were early on the streets, so
were the police, ready to contain any mayhem that ensued.
The demonstrators pelted stones at the
police, as they attempted to repel them. Many were injured in the exchange
including police officers, one of them in Kamukunji area of Nairobi.
At least 9 people have been reported to have
died in the protests, including four in Mlolongo, two in Kitengela and one in
Emali in Makueni County.
But the exchange extended beyond the police
and demonstrators. At some instances, the violent protestors attacked their
fellow citizens.
Property and installations were destroyed,
shops were looted including Eastmatt Supermarket in Kitengela.
In Kitengela, protestors attacked the
divisional headquarters, destroying the national flag and torching the
Assistant County Commissioner’s office.
One of those suspected to have destroyed the
pole of the national flag was shot dead. The fire was put out but the
destruction was evident. Identity cards of Kenyans were scattered across the
office.
Nearly ten people were injured in the
exchange and are nursing gunshot wounds; some on the head, stomach, hands and
legs.
In Nairobi, the protestors were unstoppable.
Not even the ‘Stop’ sign could stop the protestors from destroying everything
in their way, as the police waited for the opportune time to pounce.
In Kangemi, the standoff was similar. Daring
protestors waited for their chance. While at it, innocent young citizens were
in class for their share of education.
Little did they know that the protests knew
no boundaries. Teargas canisters reached some of the pupils while in class at
New Kihumbuini Primary School.
Several were reported to have fainted or run
short of breath. They were attended to for first aid before being rushed to
hospital. Parents and guardians rushed to the school to rescue their children.
The day was marked with immense violence across
major towns, leaving on its way death, injury, destruction and uncertainty.
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