One Seriously Injured, Others with Minor Injuries in Uasin Gishu County Protests
By Evans Kibor
In Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, a day of nationwide demonstrations turned chaotic today, resulting in one man being seriously injured and several others sustaining minor injuries. The protests, spearheaded by Generation Z youths, were in opposition to the proposed Finance Bill, demanding governmental attention and peaceful resolution.
The incident unfolded around 2 PM local time on a busy street in Eldoret when police intervened to disperse tens of thousands of protestors. According to eyewitnesses, police officers fired a rubber bullet into the air and subsequently launched tear gas canisters to scatter the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, a 60-year-old man, identified as a Generation X individual, became caught in the tumultuous stampede. Reports indicate he was separated from his belongings, including his spectacles, and was knocked down. Witnesses described a scene where he was trampled by fleeing protestors, leaving him seriously injured on the ground.
Aside from this serious injury, numerous Generation Z protestors suffered minor injuries, including being struck by vehicles as they fled the area. Witnesses reported several incidents of protestors being accidentally run over while attempting to escape the tear gas and police actions.
The protestors, predominantly young individuals, were vocal in their demands for peace and the withdrawal of the Finance Bill. Chants of “Ruto must go, we want peace, reject Finance Bill” echoed through the streets as they called on the government to heed their peaceful demonstrations and address their concerns.
Criticism has been directed towards the security officers, with allegations that their actions exacerbated the situation and caused harm to civilians. One particularly poignant incident involved a police officer who accidentally injured himself severely while handling tear gas, further fueling the perception of excessive force during the dispersal.
As the situation in Eldoret remains tense, authorities are urged to investigate the incidents thoroughly and ensure the safety of all citizens involved in peaceful protests. The injured man has been rushed to a local hospital for urgent medical attention, while authorities attempt to restore order in the area.
Post Author
