Second Protester Dies After Violent Clashes in Nairobi: Calls for Justice Intensify.

Evans Kiratu, a protester who was injured on Thursday, June 20 lost his life on Friday, June 21 succumbed to his injuries.

This is the second protestor who lost his life after Rex Masai, 29, a protester died after allegedly being on June 20 along Moi Avenue in Nairobi.

Evans was allegedly struck by a tear gas canister in his groin during the protests. He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital by a group of well-wishers and confirmed dead on Friday afternoon by one of the well-wishers after being treated for severe injuries and internal bleeding.

His family went on Saturday to the KNH mortuary and positively identified the body of their son.
“A Good Samaritan said he was hit by a teargas canister on his private parts and could not do anything,” Rachel Waithanje, Kiratu’s aunt said.

The incidents have called for action as to why police officers are shooting peaceful protesters.

Independent Policing Oversight Authority visited the scene of shooting on Saturday for investigations to be done.

The Thursday protest which led to the loss of two lives was more intense since police officers used tear gas and water cannons on citizens who were demonstrating peacefully.

Citizens wanted to occupy the parliament so that their cries over the Finance Bill 2024 could be heard but police officers ensured that they were kept them away from the parliamentary buildings.

Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome condemned the protesters’ actions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order.

Meanwhile, Gen Z has declared 7 days of rage over what they say is meant to show solidarity for their slain colleague and also push the government to heed the plight of Kenyans by rejecting the Bill which has since sailed through the second reading.

The hashtags have now changed from #Occupy parliament to #Occupy statehouse and #Justice for Rex and Evans.

After the 7 days, Kenyans hope that the government will be at a climax and they will listen to their cries. They also hope that justice will be served for the two protesters who lost their lives.