Protests in Kenya have erupted once again, turning deadly as demonstrators clash with police in the streets of Nairobi. Just one year after a brutal crackdown that left 60 people dead, the nation is grappling with a cycle of violence and unrest fueled by anger over police brutality and government corruption. On Wednesday, Amnesty International reported that 16 more people lost their lives, most at the hands of law enforcement, escalating calls for justice among the grieving populace.
The catalyst for the latest wave of protests is the tragic death of Albert Ojang, a teacher and blogger who was found dead in police custody after being arrested for allegedly spreading false information about a deputy police chief. His death has reignited the outrage felt by families of victims from last year’s protests, including the parents of Rex Masai Kanik, the first casualty of the previous demonstrations. As they watch history repeat itself, their pain is palpable, echoing through the streets.
Violence erupted again as thousands took to the streets, met with tear gas and gunfire. Eyewitnesses reported harrowing scenes, including the shooting of a young vendor captured on video, prompting further arrests of police officers involved. The National Police Service has denied allegations of collusion with armed groups posing as civilians, but the situation remains dire, with reports of injuries and fatalities pouring in.
As the government faces mounting pressure, six men, including three police officers, now face murder charges related to Ojang’s death. Yet, many Kenyans are left wondering if true accountability will ever come, as the independent police oversight authority struggles to investigate the numerous deaths linked to police violence. With tensions escalating and the streets filled with protesters demanding justice, the future of Kenya hangs in the balance, and the world watches closely.