- Protests erupted across Kenya in June-July 2024, sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, resulting in the deaths of over 30 protesters and more than 300 injuries
- A BBC documentary revealed footage of an alleged Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer involved in the shooting and killing of a protester, Eric Shieni, outside Parliament
- Shieni’s family had emphasised that he was advocating for good governance, not an overthrow of the government
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi – In June and July 2024, Kenya was thrown into chaos as protests erupted, with the most significant unrest occurring on June 25 when youths stormed Parliament, setting part of the building on fire and causing extensive damage.
The protests, which lasted until August 8, were sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024 and alleged poor governance by the Kenya Kwanza administration, with demonstrators chanting slogans like ‘Ruto Must Go’ and Reject ‘Finance Bill 2024’.
During the unrest, over 30 protesters were killed using live ammunition, and more than 300 were injured, according to a report by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC).
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Who killed anti-bill protester Eric Shieni?
Amid the aftermath of the clashes, a BBC documentary has delved into the forces behind the mass shootings.
The documentary reveals footage from the protests, identifying an alleged Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer inside Parliament who was seen shooting at protesters.
The officer, wearing a white shoulder patch, matte green helmet, tan boots, and carrying a solid-stock rifle, was positioned just 25 meters from a protester, the late Eric Shieni.
The media outlet further noted that, after the shooting, the officer was the only individual at the scene still wearing the uniform.
BBC also reported that the officer, seemingly working for the army, appeared to have been hired by an unidentified individual to carry out the shootings.
The documentary also linked the officer to the murder of Shieni, a former University of Nairobi graduate and CPA-K holder, who was killed outside Parliament during the June 25 clashes.
Shieni’s family, devastated by his death, emphasised that their brother was fighting for good governance, not to overthrow the government.
The brutality of the protests sparked widespread condemnation, with Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo calling for accountability and justice for the victims of police violence.
“Eric deserves a fair hearing. We do not know if he damaged Parliament or not. He was not aggressive, he was leaving the premises. They could have had him arrested but the fact that you shoot his head, it was clearly an intention to kill. You have become the judge to jury and sentence executioner to Eric. He did not deserve the death penalty,” said Odhiambo.
The documentary has raised questions about the involvement of state forces in the shooting, with further investigations underway.
Ruto withdraws Finance Bill 2024 after protests
In response to the widespread protests, President William Ruto announced the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024, stating he would not sign it.
He explained that his decision was influenced by the public’s demand for more concessions than those proposed by MPs.
The president also called for a multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder engagement within 14 days to discuss the bill’s content and address related issues such as austerity measures and strengthening the fight against corruption.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
