The ongoing protests have taken a dire turn as a group of volunteer medics, who have been providing free aid to injured protestors, announced their withdrawal on Tuesday, July 2.
The group, Medics for Kenya, was formed by a coalition of doctors, nurses, clinical officers, psychologists, nutritionists, paramedics, interns, and students across the nation during the anti-Finance Bill protests that have now entered their third week.
In a statement released online, the group cited increasing violence and the safety of their volunteers as the primary reasons for their decision to halt services. One person was reported dead, while three others were reportedly injured from gunshot wounds.
“We have helped hundreds of patients who were unfortunately injured in various ways. We also ran an efficient referral system that ensured critically injured patients received life-saving management at various hospitals all across the country,” the statement read.
The protests have morphed into an anti-government movement, becoming more violent by the day. The withdrawal of Medics for Kenya's aid services came just hours after protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country turned chaotic.
In Nairobi, one person was shot, and over 30 others were taken to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Reports also indicated that two individuals were shot in Mombasa by a businessman. One person has been confirmed dead in Migori after he was shot.
Protestors clashed with police and business owners, defending their properties from looters. Allegations of a sniper in Nairobi's Central Business District surfaced after a police officer was reportedly shot.
Anti-government protesters effectively paralysed normal operations in cities and towns by occupying major streets, demanding the resignation of President William Ruto. Despite a High Court order banning the use of teargas, anti-riot police fired at protestors who lit bonfires and blocked roads.
Robbery incidents were reported at Khoja Roundabout and near Old Nation House along Tom Mboya Street in Nairobi. In one instance, rowdy youths attacked a trader and stole his phone and wallet. The emergence of criminals and looters during the protests forced business owners along Ronald Ngala, Mfangano Street, Hakati Road, and Luthuli Avenue to band together to protect their properties.
Teargas and gunshots filled the air between Kamukunji Roundabout and City Stadium as protestors lit bonfires. Some carried machetes, rungus, and stones, showing no signs of relenting even when police used teargas and fired into the air. While police battled protestors from the main road, some demonstrators hid inside Muthurwa Market, occasionally emerging to hurl stones at officers.
The statement from Medics for Kenya, signed by Co-founders Dr Austin Omondi and Dr Salim Ishmael, emphasised that the decision to withdraw was made after thorough discussion with various stakeholders, committee members, and volunteers.
Despite ceasing on-ground operations, the group assured that their hotlines would remain open, and they would continue coordinating with Emergency Response Services, Psychologists, and Referral Hospitals.
The group extended heartfelt appreciation to all volunteers involved in the protests, stating, “Risking your lives to save your fellow brothers and sisters is the noblest act bestowed to man. You are men and women of valour.”
