As the third and last day of opposition-led anti-government demonstrations across Kenya comes to an end, several families across nation are coming to terms with the loss of loved ones.
The uncle of one of those who has died has told the BBC that he is seeking answers for what happened to his 25-year-old nephew, Peter Ngolanye, who he says was shot by police in the town of Wote.
“At noon, a neighbour came calling and told me that my nephew had been shot and had been rushed to Makueni county referral hospital,” Nahashon Muthoka said, adding that he had been with Peter earlier, and both had decided to stay home instead of taking part in the demonstrations.
“Peter was a very kind-hearted young man,” Mr Muthoka recounted, expressing his concern over how the family, who are struggling financially, will afford a funeral.
Police have been accused of using extreme force to deal with demonstrators – who are protesting against a high cost of living and tax hikes.
Human rights groups have asked the government to look into the allegations of police shootings against protesters, as they urge for the immediate de-escalation of use of force.
However, some leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration have lauded the police for “doing a stellar job, to restrain criminals masquerading as demonstrators to not loot property or harm civilians”.
Meanwhile, majority leader of the Kenyan parliament, Kimani Ichungwa, said that the police were doing their job and following orders based on the law.
Police have been accused by the Kenya Human Rights Commission of shooting to death at least 30 people since March.
Source: BBC
