A video capturing the last moments of a protester who was shot dead outside the Kenyan Parliament has emerged, sparking outrage and calls for justice. The incident occurred during demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024, which many protesters deemed unfair and punitive.
The video, shared by journalist Larry Madowo, shows the young protester, identified as Ericsson Kyalo Mutisya, dancing among other demonstrators outside the parliament buildings.
Moments later, he is seen lying on the ground, bleeding profusely from his back. According to the autopsy report, Kyalo died from excessive bleeding.
The footage has elicited strong reactions from Kenyans, with many expressing their anger and frustration over the loss of young lives during the protests.
Some have called for international bodies, such as the United Nations and Amnesty International, to intervene and address the excessive use of force by the security forces.
In another video that has surfaced, protesters can be seen singing the national anthem beside the body of their fallen comrade. The young man, who was the brother of a plainclothes police officer deployed to handle the demonstrations, was mourned by his fellow protesters as they paid tribute to his bravery.
The protests against the Finance Bill 2024 turned violent, leading to the deaths of several demonstrators. Rex Masai, Dan Kakai, and David Chege were among those who lost their lives during the demonstrations. The incidents have raised questions about the use of force by the police and the importance of addressing the grievances of the protesters without resorting to violence.
President William Ruto’s response to the shootings has also drawn criticism. During a live roundtable meeting, Ruto initially expressed condolences to the mother of one of the victims, Kennedy Onyango, without realizing that Onyango had already passed away. This has further fueled public anger and frustration.
The emergence of CCTV footage showing the moment Rex Masai was shot has added to the public outcry. The footage captures an unidentified police officer shooting at the protesters along Moi Avenue. The incident has raised concerns about police brutality and the need for accountability.