Police on Sunday, October 20 hurled teargas canisters at youth who tried to access Uhuru Park to mourn Kenyans who died during the Finance bill protests.
In a video doing rounds on social media, the youths are seen running scampering away for safety after tear gas canisters were thrown to disperse them.
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Water cannons have been deployed so far at the park, and there is heavy police presence around the vicinity of the park.
Some of the people trying to access the park have been arrested, including activists Hussein Khalid, Chief Executive Officer of Vocal Africa, and Shakira Wafula.
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Police Arrest Hussei Khalid and Shakira Wafula
Before Hussein’s arrest, he condemned the decision of the police to bar Kenyans from accessing Uhuru Park to commemorate those who were killed during the anti-govt protests
Following their arrests, Kenyans took to social media, condemning the police for the detentions.
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“We condemn the arrest of comrades Hussein Khalid and Shakira Wafula, as well as all patriotic citizens who were peaceful at the #OccupyUhuruPark event. We demand their immediate release,” Mukuru Community Justice Centre said.
Kongamano la Mapinduzi party also condemned the arrests of the activists, stating that Uhuru Park is a public utility, and everyone should have access to it.
The arrests come despite consistent assurances from the Nairobi County government leadership that nobody would be barred from accessing the park on Mashujaa Day Celebrations.
Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, issued a statement days before Mashujaa Day, saying that the park is accessible to everyone and that no one needs permission to enter.
Amnesty reported 60 people died during protests
“Uhuru Park has been open and remains open to the public every day. Every Kenyan is allowed to come and is welcome to enjoy their park. You can also book it for events. A public park, however, is not available to be reserved for exclusive use during a public holiday,” Sakaja said.
Comedian turn Activist, Eric Omondi pioneered the idea of organizing the Uhuru Park event to remember 60 Kenyans who were allegedly killed by police officers during the anti-finance bill protests which later morphed into anti-government protests.
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Amnesty International reported on September 24 that 60 people were killed during the protests which took place between June and August 2024.
So far, no police officers have been brought to book regarding the 60 deaths.
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