David Adeleke, a Nigerian-American singer popularly known as Davido, has shown his love for Kenya and Kenyans after sharing a hearty message on his social media page, Instagram, amidst the ongoing protest, saying, “Peace and Love to Kenya”. This short message has depicted his desire for a peaceful Kenya.
Being among the few songwriters and record producers who have always been into politics of not only their country but the entire African continent, His remarks have received a high acceptance, receiving more than 20k likes in less than an hour.
The reports from groups such as the Law Society of Kenya, the police reforms working group, and the Kenya Medical Association depicted that the protests resulted in casualties, with sources citing at least 16 deaths among the protesters, the police, and journalists.
According to Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 400 people were injured on Wednesday, 25th June, with 83 of them referred to specialized treatment. The casualties included people hit by live fire and others who were wounded by rubber bullets or were beaten.
While medics and human rights defenders confirm these figures, the exact figures may only be known in the course of time. The protests saw Kenyans from at least 23 counties come out to demonstrate. The nationwide demonstrations were held to commemorate the victims of the 2024 protests against the finance bill, with thousands of youths fueled by calls for justice, government accountability, and an end to what many view as a culture of impunity.
At least 60 youths were killed during last year’s protests that culminated in the protesters storming Parliament in an extraordinary show of defiance. From across the major cities in Kenya, including Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu to Eldoret, actions of running battles unfolded as police responded with nearly excessive force, trying to fend off the unwavering protesters.
Gunfire, tear gas, and stone-throwing filled the Streets as officers clashed with determined demonstrators. In major towns like Nairobi, Nakuru, Kitengela (Kajiado), Nyeri, and Thika (Kiambu), business and transport ground to a halt as protesters barricaded roads, lit bonfires, and engaged police in fierce confrontations.
Although this was meant to be peaceful, reports of goons infiltrating the protest have been reported.
Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) released a preliminary report on the conduct of police officers during the Wednesday, June 25, protests. In a statement, IPOA disclosed that it would launch an investigation into areas where cases of police brutality were reported, adding that it had already made enquiries into various concerns. In their report, IPOA announced that 24 out of the 47 counties were affected by the demonstrations, with 8 deaths reported. This number later rose to 11 as per the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
