The recent events in Githurai have sparked a wave of concern and confusion among Kenyans, as reports and videos of a heavy police response during the anti-finance bill protests circulate online. The incident, which occurred on the night of June 25th, has raised significant questions about the handling of the protests and the subsequent clashes between the police and demonstrators.
The Incident
According to the Occurrence Book (OB) report from the Githurai Mwiki Police Station, filed at 21.15hrs, the situation escalated dramatically around 10 PM. Approximately 6,000 protesters were involved in the demonstrations against the controversial finance bill. The protests, which had begun peacefully, took a turn for the worse when participants started lighting bonfires on the road and refused to disperse despite police orders.
In response, law enforcement from Githurai and Kasarani sub-counties attempted to control the situation initially using tear gas. However, the tear gas was ineffective in dispersing the determined crowd, leading to further escalation.
Police Response
The police report details a significant use of ammunition and crowd control measures during the unrest. Notably, the following were used:
- 740 rounds of 7.62MM ammunition
- 18 rounds of 5.56*45MM ammunition
- 700 pieces of tear gas canisters
- 258 pieces of 37/38 tear gas
These figures highlight the intense efforts by police to regain control of the situation. The confrontation resulted in considerable damage to property and infrastructure, including destroyed vehicles and damaged roads. Additionally, 20 police officers sustained injuries during the clash.
Conflicting Reports on Gunfire
The narrative around the use of live ammunition and the intensity of the clashes varies. While the official police report and the statements from local authorities downplay the severity of the situation, eyewitness accounts and videos tell a different story.
Kenyans took to social media, reporting heavy gunfire along the Thika Highway and in the vicinity of Githurai 45. Many residents, fearing for their safety, sought alternative routes through nearby estates to avoid the confrontation. The extent of the gunfire was severe enough to cause concern among those living near the protest sites, with reports of gunshot victims being treated at local hospitals.
Official Statements
Nelson Omolo, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Githurai Mwiki, dismissed the claims of a shootout, suggesting that the military movement back to their barracks at Kahawa might have been mistaken for gunfire. He stated that he had not received any reports of a shootout from local residents. However, this statement stands in contrast to the experiences of local tenants and the visual evidence circulating online.
Attempts to reach the OCS of Githurai 44 for further clarification went unanswered, adding to the public’s skepticism and the feeling that not all aspects of the incident are being disclosed.
Residents’ Perspectives
Residents near Githurai 45 paint a more harrowing picture of the night’s events. They describe a scenario where the police were forced to take drastic action after protesters blocked the highway. These accounts are supported by images of individuals with gunshot wounds, underscoring the gravity of the confrontation.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the growing tensions in Kenya over the finance bill and the methods used by the police to handle public demonstrations. It raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining order and respecting citizens’ rights to protest.
The use of such a large amount of ammunition and tear gas indicates a severe response that has drawn both national and international attention. The disparity between official reports and civilian accounts further complicates the public’s perception of the incident and fuels ongoing debates about police conduct and accountability in Kenya.
Moving Forward
As the dust settles, it is essential for an independent investigation to take place to determine the facts of what happened on June 25th in Githurai. Transparency from the authorities and clear communication with the public will be crucial in restoring trust and addressing the underlying issues that led to the protests.
The situation in Githurai serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kenya in its journey towards economic and social stability. The response to these challenges must be handled with care to avoid further escalation and to ensure the safety and rights of all citizens are upheld.
For a deeper dive into the impact of the finance bill and the broader implications of this protest, stay tuned to our blog for more detailed analyses and updates.