One dead, two injured in Kenya police clashes over missing youths

Nairobi, Kenya – At least one person was killed and two others injured Tuesday in Nairobi's Mathare neighborhood during clashes between police and demonstrators. The protesters were demanding the safe return of two young men, Abdulaziz Duba “Zizou” Molu and Maxwell “Maxi” Kiarie, who have been missing since last week.

Wanjira Wanjiru, a co-founder of the Mathare Social Justice Centre, stated on X, "We held a peaceful protest demanding the release of Maxi and Zizou. Three people were shot by the police. One person is dead." This marks the third time residents have mobilized to demand the young men's reappearance, with the community holding security forces responsible for their disappearances.

Demonstrations spread across Kiamaiko, Kariobangi North, and Huruma in the capital's east. Police responded with tear gas to disperse crowds, who had used stones and debris to block roads throughout the day. A witness, speaking anonymously to EFE, reported seeing police fire on the crowd, hitting three individuals, one of whom sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.

Last week, similar protests occurred in Huruma, resulting in one death from police gunfire. Local media report that police intervened, claiming the victims were attacking, robbing residents, and blocking roads, though the incident remains under investigation.

Odhiambo Ojiro, an activist with the local human rights NGO Vocal Africa, confirmed the death and two injuries attributed to police actions. He noted a disturbing trend, with Vocal Africa documenting at least five deaths and thirteen disappearances attributed to police between June 13 and June 30. "People are protesting against the alarming increase in disappearances. Police culture has remained unpunished, and they know political leadership protects them," Ojiro stated. He added, "Since the government only seeks compensation and not accountability, they know perfectly well that, even if they kill, the police will not be held accountable," referring to the Kenyan government's program to compensate victims of police violence.