Kenya Faces Turmoil as Interior Minister Alleges Coup Plot
On Thursday, Kenya's Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen accused protesters of attempting to overthrow the government during a day marked by violent demonstrations that left several dead. The unrest, which escalated across Nairobi and other cities, also involved looting and arson, fueling tensions in the country.
Violence and Casualties Shake Nairobi
According to Murkomen, at least 10 people lost their lives in the chaos that unfolded the previous day. However, Amnesty Kenya reported a higher death toll of 16 people, all fatally shot, with police suspected of firing the shots. In Nairobi’s city center, smoke rose from more than ten burned buildings as local shopkeepers began cleaning up the damage caused by the overnight unrest.
Protests Rooted in Deep Grievances
Thousands took to the streets on Wednesday in demonstrations originally meant to commemorate the anniversary of last year’s anti-government protests. Public outrage was further inflamed by the recent death of a blogger while in police custody earlier this month.
Claims of Regime Change Plot
During a press briefing, Minister Murkomen asserted that protesters aimed for "regime change," describing them as "criminal anarchists" responsible for unleashing widespread violence, including looting, sexual assault, and destruction. He also noted that police had to restrain large crowds attempting to approach key government locations such as parliament and the president’s residence, State House.
Protest Leaders Reject Coup Allegations
Prominent protest figure Boniface Mwangi condemned the government’s characterization of the demonstrations as a coup attempt, calling it a diversion from the protesters’ legitimate demands. Mwangi emphasized the need to focus on the underlying issues rather than sensational accusations.
Calls for Dialogue Amid Destruction
Among those affected, Ibrahim Hamisi, owner of one of the burned buildings in central Nairobi, urged both the government and the youthful protesters—often referred to as "Gen Z"—to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the escalating conflict.
He stated, "Look at what has been destroyed. The government must talk to Gen Z, and Gen Z must sit down with the government." Meanwhile, Josephine Apondi, a local shopkeeper, reported that looters had stolen electronics worth approximately two million shillings ($15,500) from her store during the unrest.
Background: Unrest Rooted in Previous Protests and Recent Death
The current demonstrations mark the anniversary of violent anti-tax protests from a year ago, which resulted in over 60 fatalities. The recent turmoil also reflects mounting anger following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger who died in police custody. Ojwang’s detention followed a complaint lodged by Deputy National Police Chief Eliud Lagat.
Authorities have filed murder charges against six individuals, including three police officers, in connection with Ojwang’s death. All accused have pleaded not guilty. Efforts to reach Deputy Police Chief Lagat for comment have been unsuccessful.
