Former Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei has denied any personal involvement in the deaths of protesters during the Gen Z protests on July 20, 2024. In a court appearance, Bungei firmly stated that no shootings took place that night and that he had no role in any killings.
The Gen Z protests, led by young Kenyans, were a response to the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed higher taxes. The protests quickly turned violent, with police and demonstrators clashing. Human rights groups criticized the police for using excessive force, resulting in injuries and deaths among the protesters.
These groups, including the Law Society of Kenya, filed legal actions against police officials, including Bungei, accusing them of misconduct. Political leaders, including those from the Wiper Democratic Movement, also spoke out.
They demanded the resignation of key police leaders, including Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome and Bungei, because of what they described as police brutality during the protests. In his defense, Bungei argued that the police acted lawfully during the protests.
He denied any involvement in the deaths and maintained that no shootings occurred. His comments came as part of an ongoing legal case that aims to determine whether the allegations against him and other officers are valid. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of police conduct during public protests in Kenya.
It raises questions about the responsibility of law enforcement in managing demonstrations and protecting the rights of citizens. The court is continuing to investigate the claims, and the outcome will have important implications for how the police are held accountable for their actions during protests in the future.
By Kenyans