A journalist has tragically lost their life amidst the chaos of anti-finance bill protests at the Parliamentary Building.
The yet-to-be-identified journalist was allegedly shot by police officers while covering the demonstrations, according to eyewitness accounts.
Witnesses report that the incident occurred as protestors broke through the fence of the Parliamentary Building, adjacent to the former Intercontinental Hotel.
In a harrowing turn of events, officers are said to have seized the journalist's equipment before leaving his lifeless body behind.
Demonstrators are said to have covered the journalist's body and are now attempting to arrange for his transport to a morgue.
Reports have also confirmed the tragic death of a doctor who was involved in treating a protestor with a gunshot wound.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, speaking on the incident, has lamented the loss. The identity of the doctor currently remains undisclosed, raising the toll of those shot to over ten individuals
Earlier today, another journalist, Collins Olunga of AFP News Agency, was shot and injured while covering the protests in Nairobi's central business district.
The demonstrations, which gathered citizens from various counties, were held to oppose the proposed tax hikes under the Finance Bill 2024.
Footage shared by Ali Mwamvita Manzu on X (formerly Twitter) shows Olunga receiving medical attention inside a vehicle. The video captures the severity of his injuries, with Olunga visibly distressed and struggling to breathe due to a gunshot wound in his arm.
The nationwide protests have been marked by widespread outrage, with the Finance Bill 2024 sparking significant opposition across Kenya. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the violent actions of the police, reporting that five protestors were shot, resulting in one fatality.
In a strongly worded statement, the KHRC expressed their dismay at the police actions, labelling them as a grave violation of human rights.
"Police have shot four protesters, as witnessed by KHRC, killing one. We strongly condemn the police killing. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights," the commission stated.
The KHRC further emphasised the need for justice and accountability, vowing to push for rigorous scrutiny of police conduct.
"Justice and accountability are imperative. We will vigorously push for police accountability," the statement added.
The number of injured protestors continues to rise as clashes between the demonstrators and police intensify.
The unrest in Nairobi is part of a broader national movement challenging the Finance Bill 2024, reflecting the deep-seated dissatisfaction among the Kenyan populace.
