Nairobi, Kenya — Kenyan police clashed with thousands of demonstrators who took to the streets to commemorate the first anniversary of anti-government protests that resulted in numerous fatalities. Authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds amid widespread unrest.
The Communications Authority of Kenya, the government’s regulatory body, ordered all media outlets to halt live coverage of the youth-led protests that commenced on Wednesday. The agency erroneously asserted that broadcasting live demonstrations contravened Kenyan laws and threatened regulatory penalties for any station failing to comply. Despite this order, several stations, including CNN affiliate Citizen TV, continued to air the events.
Protests erupted in various locations, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and other towns, to mark the anniversary of the anti-tax demonstrations that ignited widespread outrage after security forces killed many outside Parliament last June. Ahead of the marches, authorities erected barricades on roads leading to key government buildings.
In a volatile scene in downtown Nairobi, demonstrators confronted burning barricades as security personnel enforced a heavy presence near razor wire barriers meant to restrict access to Parliament.
Despite the protests leading to the repeal of the contentious finance bill that had prompted tax hikes, frustrations remain high among Kenyan youth regarding ongoing allegations of police brutality. Recent incidents, including the death of a teacher while in custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor, have fueled these sentiments.
On Wednesday, CNN observed police firing live rounds in an attempt to disperse peaceful protesters in Nairobi, with several demonstrators reportedly exhibiting spent cartridges. Similar to last year’s confrontations, police responded with tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds.
Citizen TV shared footage on social media showing individuals injured during the chaos being transported to a Nairobi hospital, while videos from Mombasa depicted some protesters being arrested and taken away in police trucks.
Reports from eastern Kenya’s Machakos County indicated one fatality occurred during the protests, according to Citizen TV. Amnesty International Kenya claimed that eight protesters were killed and over 400 sustained injuries, with 83 requiring treatment for serious wounds, including at least eight for gunshot injuries. CNN is currently seeking verification of these casualty figures from the police service.