Kenya’s interior minister denied that police used excessive force in protests on Wednesday, with at least 10 people killed, calling them “terrorism disguised as dissent” and “unconstitutional attempts” to change the government.
Kipchumba Murkomen thanked the security agencies for their “extreme provocation” to help them “that the attempted coup”, which was their “extreme provocation”.
He said more than 400 people were injured in addition to 10 deaths, including about 300 police officers.
“We condemn criminal anarchists for releasing violence, robbery, sexual assault and destruction of our people in the name of peaceful demonstrations,” he said.
He added that the main government facilities and offices in the protests were targeted, with nine police stations attacking, five of which were burned down – five guns were stolen.
He said dozens of vehicles belonging to police, government and civilians were destroyed.
Mercomen said an investigation is underway involving serious casualties and violent behavior.
Rights group Amnesty International put the death toll at 16, saying all those who died had gunshot wounds.
The protests mark the first anniversary of a previous wave of deadly anti-government demonstrations.
On Wednesday, thousands of people took to the streets to express their anger with President William Ruto's administration and demanded an end to police brutality.
Many of the people who manifest as “ruto must go”, waving branches, are symbols of peaceful opposition to his rule.
The government bans live television and broadcast reports of protests, even though the Nairobi High Court overturned the decree. The ban has since been lifted.
The rights group condemned the police and the state's actions.
Kenya's bar association said security officials “unnecessary aggression and brute force” that said it led to “meaningless loss of life”.
Human rights groups said Wednesday that three police officers were injured.
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