Police and protesters clashed in Kenya on Wednesday as part of a prohibited opposition demonstration against the high cost of living and tax increases. The wave of turmoil resulted in the death of at least six individuals across the nation.
“The government has made numerous empty promises. Currently, matatu fares have risen, fuel costs have increased, and the price of food is exorbitant. We can’t even afford a single meal; we may have to rely on water for sustenance. This government is utterly insincere, and we hope that Baba (Raila Odinga, the opposition chief) will exert significant pressure until changes occur. We need lower costs because we are enduring difficult times. Kenya is in dire straits. Soon, even educating our children will become a challenge,” confessed businessman Otieno Mc’Dimba Bongo.
Many people hold the authorities responsible for using excessive force against demonstrators, including the deployment of tear gas.
“The police are resorting to excessive force against the citizens, and numerous individuals have sustained injuries. Even my brother is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds to his legs. It deeply pains us, and we are extremely unhappy about the police’s use of force. I appeal for a thorough investigation into these ongoing issues because we are the citizens. We are displeased with the delayed elections, and we are in anguish. We are suffering, not as supporters of ODM, but from the confines of our homes. We lack flour, we lack money. All the funds have been squandered, and we are enduring hardships. There are no employment opportunities for the youth,” complained Benson Ochieng, the brother of a man shot by the police.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga initiated a series of anti-government rallies this year following his defeat to William Ruto in the presidential elections last August.