Multiple people are feared dead after an alleged shooting incident was reported to have occurred in Githurai 45 on Wednesday June 25, 2024, night.

Several people took to social media to share information about a purported gunfire exchange between the city police and anti-finance bill protesters.

“We woke up to the smell of blood in Githurai 45, children have woken up to dead parents, parents have a woken up to dead kids.”

“We are scared, and others traumatized. We as the people of Githurai are mourning our brothers, sisters, kids and parents,'” said Wangare Namu an X user.

Video footage seen by The Kenya Times showed heavy police presence along Thika Road engaged in running battles with protestors as multiple shots are heard in the background.

Also, images were seen circulating online showing injured protestors with gunshot wounds being treated at various hospitals. 

Boniface Mwangi Releases Statement Detailing the Incident

According to a statement from activist Boniface Mwangi, a total of 758 rifle rounds were used on unarmed protesters in Githurai on June 25, 2024.

Mwangi claims there were no mentions of civilian casualties in the official incident report from the Githurai Mwiki Police Station.

“A total of 758 rifle rounds were used on unarmed protestors in Githurai. No mention of civilian casualties,” said Mwangi.

The police report details a protest against the government’s finance bill that started peacefully around 10AM but later turned violent.

The protesters, numbering around 6,000, refused an order by the sub county commander to disperse and instead began throwing stones at officers.

“The group numbered about six thousand (6000) they became violent and lit a bonfire on the road.”

“The police officers led by sub county commander tried to negotiate with them to peacefully disperse but they refused and started pelting the officers with stones,” read the report in part.

Also Read: Raila Advises Ruto After Shooting of Protesters Outside Parliament

Police Effort to Disperse the Crowd in Githurai 45 Proves Futile

The police then used tear gas to try to break up the crowd, but the protesters reportedly overpowered them.

As the officers retreated, the protesters blocked the road, trapping and burning down a police vehicle.

They also damaged two other police cars, smashing windows and denting the bodies.

The protesters then tried to storm the Githurai Mwiki Police Station but were repelled by the officers.

“As the officers were retreating the rioters followed them to Githurai Mwiki Police Station. They wanted to overrun the station, but they were overpowered, and they retreated,” read the OB.

Also Read: One Person Dies in Stampede as Parents Fight for Bursary Forms in Githurai 45

In the clashes, a total of 20 police officers were injured, some with serious head and leg injuries. One officer was admitted to the hospital with a broken skull.

According to the report, the police used 758 rounds of rifle ammunition, as well as tear gas canisters, to disperse the protesters.

“During the demonstration 740, 7.62MM black CMM 7.62MM special and 18 rounds of 5.56*45MM were spent also 700 pieces of teargas canisters and 258 pieces of 37/38 teargas were used to disperse the violent rioters,” read the OB.

The situation has since been brought under control, with the three police stations in the area being guarded.

The investigation into the incident has been handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Githurai.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates: 

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C