Kenya‘s Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, has defended the police’s actions during Wednesday’s protests, in which at least 10 people were killed and over 400 others injured.
Describing the demonstrations as “terrorism disguised as dissent” and an “unconstitutional attempt” to change the government, Murkomen thanked security agencies for their “remarkable restraint amid extreme provocation,” crediting them with helping to “foil an attempted coup.”
The minister condemned the “criminal anarchists” who, under the guise of peaceful demonstrations, unleashed violence, looting, and destruction.
Key government installations and offices were targeted, with nine police stations attacked, five of which were torched, and five guns stolen. Dozens of vehicles belonging to the police, government, and civilians were also destroyed.
Murkomen stated that investigations are underway to determine the exact number of casualties and the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The protests marked the first anniversary of a previous wave of deadly anti-government demonstrations, with thousands taking to the streets to voice anger with President William Ruto’s government and demand an end to police brutality. Many chanted “Ruto must go” and waved branches as a symbol of peaceful opposition to his rule.
The government initially banned live TV and radio coverage of the protests, but the ban was later lifted after being overturned by the Nairobi High Court. Rights groups have condemned the actions of the police and state, with the Law Society of Kenya saying there was “unnecessary aggression and brute force” by security officers, leading to “senseless loss of life.”
The protests have sparked widespread debate, with human rights groups and other organizations calling for accountability and an end to police brutality. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how the Kenyan government responds to the growing demands for reform and justice.