NAKURU, Kenya- Three people, including a journalist from Kameme Radio and TV, were shot during anti-government protests in Nakuru.
The chaos unfolded as demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in a violent and tense atmosphere throughout the town.
Eyewitnesses reported that Wanjeri wa Kariuki, a reporter clearly identified with a press card and jacket, was shot three times in the thigh.
Colleagues at the scene quickly transported her to a private hospital where doctors confirmed her injuries.
“She was shot thrice in the thighs,” the attending physician stated, expressing concern over the targeting of a marked member of the press.
The violence didn’t end there. Two other individuals also suffered gunshot wounds. One was hit in the leg, while the other sustained a gunshot wound to the back.
Both incidents occurred as police attempted to disperse the protesters, engaging in running battles that brought Nakuru to a standstill.
Earlier in the day, another protester was critically injured when a stone, aimed at the police, struck him in the head.
The scene on Kenyatta Avenue was particularly chaotic, as businesses shuttered their doors and the streets became a battleground of hide-and-seek between the police and demonstrators.
Despite the aggressive police response, protesters remained undeterred. They repeatedly regrouped, chanting slogans and demanding reforms every time they were dispersed.
The atmosphere in Nakuru grew increasingly volatile, with tension and unrest overshadowing the town’s daily life.
The targeting of journalists has raised serious concerns about the safety of the press in Kenya. Organizations advocating for press freedom condemned the incident, calling for an investigation into the shooting of Kariuki.
“Journalists should not be targets. They are there to report the truth,” stated a representative from a press freedom organization.
The escalation of violence in Nakuru reflects the broader unrest gripping the country. Protesters continue to demand greater accountability and reforms from the government.
However, the increasing frequency of clashes and the heavy-handed police response highlight the growing divide between the state and its citizens.
As Nakuru reels from the day’s events, the nation watches closely, questioning the lengths to which the government will go to quell dissent and the impact of such measures on freedom of expression and human rights.
