Tragic Loss: Another Protestor, Evans Kiratu, Dies from Injuries in Finance Bill Protest
A second protester injured during the demonstrations on Thursday, June 20, has sadly passed away from his injuries.
Evans Kiratu, who was reportedly hit by a tear gas canister in his groin during the protests, died on Friday, June 21.
Kiratu was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital by a group of helpers where he received treatment for severe injuries and internal bleeding. Chris, one of those who assisted in transporting him, confirmed that Kiratu passed away around noon on Friday.
Chris shared with Gossipa2z.com the distressing details of Kiratu’s final moments, including the revelation that Kiratu had no siblings and that his mother had expressed a desire to disown him, despite efforts to inform her of his critical condition.
A previously released video on X (formerly Twitter) depicted Kiratu confronting a police officer near the Nyayo Stadium area, accusing the officer of injuring him in the groin. The footage shows Kiratu falling to the ground while holding his injured area.
As of now, the hospital and police have not officially confirmed Kiratu’s death.
Kiratu’s death marks the second fatality linked to alleged police actions during the protests. Earlier, Rex Masai, a protester in his late 20s, died from injuries sustained in an alleged police shooting in the Central Business District.
The incident, captured on camera, has triggered widespread outrage and demands for justice.
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The protests on Thursday spread across 17 regions of the country in response to the controversial Finance Bill, 2024. Young Kenyans took to the streets in cities including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kericho, Lodwar, Kilifi, Nyeri, Meru, Embu, Nanyuki, Kisii, Kakamega, Machakos, Taita Taveta, and Kiambu.
Throughout the morning, demonstrators expressed their opposition to the bill, regardless of their MPs’ political affiliations.
The protests, more intense than those earlier in the week, encountered a forceful response from mounted police armed with tear gas, batons, water cannons, and live ammunition.
Amid clashes with police, protesters chanted, carried signs, and sang songs of resistance. Their rallying cry, “Occupy Parliament,” reverberated, although police efforts prevented them from reaching the National Assembly.
Inspector-General of Police Japhet Koome condemned the protesters’ actions, stressing the importance of maintaining order. “While the Constitution upholds citizens’ rights to assemble, demonstrate, and picket, the police will not tolerate efforts to occupy crucial government infrastructure or disrupt parliamentary proceedings,” he declared.
Following Thursday’s nationwide protests, the aftermath was substantial: at least 200 injuries and over 100 arrests were reported by a coalition of rights groups, underscoring the scale of the unrest.
Tragic Loss: Another Protestor, Evans Kiratu, Dies from Injuries in Finance Bill Protest