Amnesty International has accused Kenyan police, dressed in plainclothes and without official identification, of firing live ammunition at protesters during a demonstration at Nairobi’s parliament complex on June 25.
Irũngũ Houghton, Amnesty Kenya’s director, told media that officers without badges, uniforms, or police-marked vehicles were seen shooting at demonstrators and making arrests. These findings were part of a report based on testimonies from 23 witnesses and analysis of video footage and photos.
The protests, sparked by a controversial finance bill, resulted in over 50 deaths during months of unrest. Though initially peaceful, the rallies escalated into violence, with demonstrators briefly entering parliament on the day the bill was set for its third reading. Police responded with gunfire.
Amnesty’s reconstruction of the events showed men in civilian attire firing rifles and handguns into the crowd, capturing at least 45 shots in 56 seconds. Witnesses claimed to have seen six protesters fatally shot at the scene.
The report also highlighted the unlawful use of tear gas and excessive force by police, while some demonstrators retaliated by throwing stones and returning tear gas canisters. Kenyan police have yet to respond to the accusations.
