On June 25, 2024, the Parliament of Kenya was breached in youths protests that turned violent. Several bodies were dropped by alleged snipers from security department.
Youths across the country watched as their friends were brutalized by government agencies. Armed with just a phone and flag, youths made a mark on Kenyan politics forcing the president to dissolve Parliament. Well, details have emerged on what led to so many youths to loose their lives.
According to a report by the Kenyans, IPOA released their report on what they think led to so many deaths during protests. They have forwarded the files to the director of public prosection for investigation.
IPOA Findings.
According to them, the blunders that police committed are:
1 . Unpreparedness.
– it is noted that police officers were not ready for large numbers of youths on the Streets. So, when they overwhelmed them, some resorted to using full force to counter youths. The report also indicates that the officers did not have enough riot gears and teargas.
2. Use of Masks During Protests.
Tension between Police and youths escalated after some of officers arrived in unmarked cars and masks.
Youths were angry since they felt like being treated like criminals in their own country. They decided to fight back while defending themselves hence tension and loss of lives.
3. NIS Failure.
The report indicates that the national intelligence service failed the government by failing to note the intensity of youths protests.
” Policeman blocking number plates and hiding their faces escalated everything during the protests. Youths fought back because of that” read part of the report.
Kenyans Reactions.
Kenyans have reacted to the report with mixed reactions. Some are calling on the government to punish those who took advantage of the protests to attack youths. DPP has been asked to be transparent in his prosection so that justice can be served.
