Police Brutality Marrs Protests Against Finance Bill 2024 in Homa BayPolice Brutality Marrs Protests Against Finance Bill 2024 in Homa Bay Eight youths sustained injuries, one critically, in Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital following confrontations with riot police during protests against the Finance Bill 2024. The victims, aged 22 to 27, were rushed to the hospital after being shot by the police, according to Hospital Director Carol Odero. One of them, aged 23, underwent surgery for a head injury. Governor Gladys Wanga denounced the excessive force used by the police, calling it a relic of the past. She visited the victims in the hospital and criticized the police for shooting live bullets at unarmed protesters. “The brutal treatment of these young people who were peacefully exercising their right to protest is deeply concerning,” said Wanga. She threatened to join the protests if the government continued to use violence as a means of suppressing dissent. In Suba South constituency, three people were injured during a demonstration, including two who were stabbed and one who suffered a fracture. Violence erupted when supporters of National Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairman John Mbadi clashed with supporters of regional MP Caroli Omondi over Omondi’s vote in favor of the bill. The confrontation resulted in injuries to two victims, who were taken to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital, while the third was admitted to Sindo sub-county hospital. The incidents highlight the growing tension between the government and citizens who oppose the Finance Bill 2024, which is perceived as placing an undue burden on ordinary Kenyans. The excessive use of force by the police against peaceful protesters raises concerns about the state of democracy and the rights of citizens in Kenya.
Eight youths have been injured at the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital after being shot during protests against the Finance Bill 2024 on Tuesday.
The men, aged 22 to 27, were rushed to hospital after street clashes with riot police.
Hospital director Carol Odero said one of the victims, aged 23, was taken to theater for surgery after suffering a head injury.
“The injury was serious and required urgent medical attention. We also admitted seven other people with gunshot wounds,” she said.
Governor Gladys Wanga condemned the shooting after visiting the victims in hospital.
She accused police of using excessive force against the youth peacefully protesting in the town of Homa Bay.
She described police brutality as an old-fashioned way of dealing with Kenyans who have the right to protest peacefully.
“Many of us are shocked by the way the police are dealing with the young people who were peacefully protesting. They were not armed with any weapons and I wonder why they had to shoot live bullets at them,” Wanga said.
The governor threatened to join the young protesters if the government continued to use excessive force against them.
“Any regime that uses violence to suppress dissent is considered weak. Just listen to the people because we will also join them if you do not address the issues amicably,” she said.
In Suba South constituency, three people were hospitalized after being injured during a demonstration.
Among them were two men who had been stabbed with knives and a man who had suffered a fracture.
Violence broke out in Sindo town after ODM supporters linked to national party chairman John Mbadi and members of regional MP Caroli Omondi clashed during the demonstration.
Mbadi’s supporters criticized Omondi for voting in favor of the bill. On the other hand, Omondi’s supporters defended him.
This led to confrontation, which culminated in the injuries. Two of the victims were rushed to Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital, while one was taken to Sindo sub-county hospital.
