Screenshot of Evans Kiratu confronting a police officer near Nyayo Stadium on June 20. Photo: X.
In Summary:
- Evans Kiratu dies from injuries sustained during June 20 protests.
- Nationwide protests over Finance Bill 2024 result in widespread injuries and arrests.
Evans Kiratu, a participant in the nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024, tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during the demonstrations on Thursday, June 20.
Kiratu, allegedly struck by a tear gas canister in his groin area, passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital on Friday, June 21.
Kiratu was rushed to the hospital by concerned individuals where he received urgent medical attention for severe injuries and internal bleeding.
Chris, one of those involved in transporting Kiratu, confirmed his death around noon on Friday, recounting the distressing details to the media.
Kiratu, who was reportedly an only child, faced additional personal challenges as his mother expressed a desire to disassociate herself from him.
Despite efforts to inform her of his critical condition, she remained resolute in her stance.
Video footage shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) captured Kiratu confronting a police officer near Nyayo Stadium, accusing the officer of inflicting the injury that led to his demise.
The clip shows Kiratu collapsing to the ground in pain, clutching his injured groin.
As of now, neither the hospital nor the police have issued an official statement confirming Kiratu’s death.
Kiratu’s passing marks the second fatality linked to alleged police actions during the protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Earlier, Rex Masai, another protester in his late twenties, died from injuries sustained in an alleged police shooting in the Central Business District.
The incident, captured on video, has ignited widespread public outcry and calls for justice.
The protests on Thursday spanned across 17 regions of the country, with youth in cities such as Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret expressing their discontent over the Finance Bill 2024.
The demonstrations, characterized by heightened intensity compared to previous protests, faced a stern response from law enforcement.
Mounted police deployed tear gas, batons, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse the crowds.
As tensions escalated, protesters chanted slogans, brandished placards, and sang songs of resistance, advocating for their voices to be heard in opposition to the bill.
The rallying cry of “Occupy Parliament” reverberated through the streets, although police presence effectively prevented demonstrators from reaching the National Assembly.
Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome condemned the actions of the protesters, underscoring the importance of upholding law and order.
“While citizens have the constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket, the police cannot condone efforts to occupy vital government infrastructure or disrupt parliamentary proceedings,” Koome stated in response to the unrest.
The aftermath of Thursday’s nationwide protests left over 200 individuals injured and more than 100 arrested, according to reports from human rights organizations.
These figures underscore the magnitude of the unrest and ongoing societal tensions surrounding the Finance Bill 2024.