Hundreds detained in Kenya as protesters mark anniversary of deadly 2024 demonstrations

Police in Kenya detained hundreds of people and fired tear gas on Thursday as families of those killed in anti-government protests two years ago marched to the Parliament building. They demanded compensation and justice for the at least 60 people killed when police opened fire outside Parliament in June 2024. The protests were triggered by tax increases.

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Only two out of 10 families whose children were shot that day near Parliament have been compensated and we are wondering what criteria the government is using.

Victims' families expressed frustration over a lack of transparency in the government's promised reparations. President William Ruto had stated that protests would be allowed but warned against attempts to "shut down the country." Police erected roadblocks around Nairobi, barricaded Parliament, and closed businesses. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen reported 355 "criminals" arrested, asserting the measures were needed to "protect businesses and avert chaos." However, journalists and witnesses noted that many ordinary Kenyans appeared to be among those detained.

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protect businesses and avert chaos

Opposition leaders backed the protests, urging transparency in the $15 million compensation program. During the June 2024 protests, thousands of young Kenyans stormed Parliament to oppose a finance bill increasing taxes amid a rising cost of living. Police fired on demonstrators outside, resulting in dozens of deaths. Ruto described the government compensation as "a state acknowledgment that harm occurred" but not an admission of guilt, and not a "reward for violence or criminality."

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a state acknowledgment that harm occurred

Several opposition figures, including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and former Justice Minister Martha Karua, marched with activists and victims' families, laying wreaths at Parliament's barricades. Edith Wanjiku, whose 19-year-old son died from gunshot wounds, stated her family had not received compensation despite submitting documents. "Only two out of 10 families whose children were shot that day near Parliament have been compensated and we are wondering what criteria the government is using," she told The Associated Press. Gillian Munyao, whose son was also killed, added that compensation cannot replace justice, urging the arrest of those responsible.

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Arrest the killer c