Three killed, ex-governor arrested as regions heed Saba Saba protests' call

It was a day of chaos, arrests, and loss of life in parts of the country as protestors turned up in large numbers to demonstrate against the high cost of living and express discontent over the recently passed Finance Act, 2023.

In Kisumu, two people were shot dead at Nyawita and Kondele estates as police pursued protestors. By 6pm, their bodies were yet to be collected from the scene. Several others suffered gunshot wounds.

Meanwhile, in Kisii, at least five peopleare nursing gunshot wounds at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.

In Migori, another casualty of the protests succumbed while undergoing treatment at the Migori Referral Hospital. Joshua Ong'wara, a director of Health at the Migori County Referral Hospital, confirmed that the man died at the casualty department.

In Mount Kenya, former Laikipia Governor Ndiriitu Muriithi was arrested for leading a protest against the high cost of living in Nyahururu.

In a change of strategy to ensure the protests are more successful, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition tasked its leaders to lead protests in their counties and regions.

While the coalition's leader Raila Odinga was leading a battalion of supporters in Nairobi, other principals and leaders were in their backyards to strengthen the coalition's bid to push through civil disobedience.

In Nyahururu, Muriithi, who was being held at Nyahururu Police Station, was arrested alongside politician Carolyne Wanjiku. Wanjiku vied for Laikipia West parliamentary seat during the 2022 General Election but lost.

Nyahururu Sub-County Police Commander Jackline Gacheri confirmed the arrest that Muriithi and Wanjiku were leading a team of youths in protests.

In Siaya, Standard Group journalist Isaiah Gwengi was assaulted and detained by police officers while covering the protests. In Kisumu, a Reuters photographer was also assaulted by goons who robbed him of his cameras.

In Kisumu, a supermarket was looted while several protestors sustained injuries following a clash between the protestors and anti-riot police.

Three police officers were among the injured after rowdy protestors overrun a barricade they had established at Kachok roundabout to block the protestors from accessing the city’s Central Business District (CBD).

They also vandalised a shop at the petrol station and looted goods.

In Migori, scores of people sustained injuries as demonstrators left a trail of destruction. Police officers resorted to using rubber bullets after running out of teargas canisters as running battles continued.

Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, who later joined the protestors, said they were out to tell the government that citizens were frustrated.

Suna West MP Peter Masara said they would not relent in their fight for justice and claimed the protests would occur daily.

In Kisii town, transport and some businesses remained paralysed as protestors barricaded several roads and streets.

The protestors accessed the town through Daraja Moja and the Nyambera area. They lit bonfires at strategic points in the town. Those who had to force their way through the temporary roadblocks had to part with Sh50 each to proceed to their destination.

Kisii ODM chairman Kerosi Ondieki said the demonstrations were peaceful. "The government should consider the majority opinion on the country's economy. It is time to have an interest in what Kenyans are saying."

In Mombasa, six MPs vowed to continue organising demonstrations in the town to allow the residents to air their anger against the Public Finance Act they claimed was the cause of the economic woes in the country.

Unlike past protests when most parts of the Coast region remained relatively calm, police lobbed teargas to disperse the protestors who were marching in the streets of Mombasa.

Human rights activists led by Commissioner of Human Rights and Justice Executive Director Julius Ogogoh criticised the police for using excessive force on peaceful demonstrators exercising their rights.

"It is sad that the police are being used to beat up peaceful protestors. They should allow the protestors to exercise their rights to picket and arrest whoever breaks the law," said Ogogoh.

Legislators led by Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki accused the area police of being insensitive to the plight of Kenyans. They vowed to sue the officer commanding Mombasa Central Station and the government for disrupting a peaceful procession.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said the anti-government protests will continue until Kenya Kwanza agrees to amend the Public Finance Act and lower the cost of living.

In Rift Valey, calm was witnessed in Nakuru town and in Azimio strongholds, including Bondeni, Rhonda, and some parts of Nakuru West sub-county.

Police were deployed at Kamukunji grounds in Bondeni to monitor the situation, but by afternoon, no protests were reported.

Anthony Onyango, a boda boda operator within Nakuru CBD said he had to provide for his three children and participating in the protests would be unhelpful.

Bunge la Mwananchi assembled in Nakuru on Friday morning to campaign against the protests.