Anti-tax protesters in Kenya are shocked after a 29-year-old man was killed during nationwide demonstrations against new finance bills.
Doctors at a hospital in the capital told a local newspaper that Rex Kanyike Masai, who protested in central Nairobi on Thursday, suffered gunshot wounds.
Police fired tear gas and water cannon at largely peaceful protesters near parliament as lawmakers debated proposals for new taxes.
Amnesty International accused police of using excessive force to suppress protesters, many of whom were arrested.
When protests dubbed “Occupy Parliament” began on Tuesday, public outcry forced the government to withdraw some controversial proposals, including a 16% tax on bread and a 2.5% annual tax on vehicles.
But that has done little to quell the anger of mainly young protesters, whose anger is focused on the government of President William Ruto.
Since becoming president, he has introduced several unpopular new taxes that critics say stifle economic growth and lead to job losses.
Police said they were at the scene of the shooting and were investigating the circumstances of Mr Massey’s death.
Activist Boniface Mwangi said the young man was only carrying his national identity card and mobile phone and no weapons.
His mother, Gillian Munyao, told reporters her son had attended protests after get off work and was dodging tear gas when he was shot downtown.
“The only mistake Rex made was to stand up for everyone’s rights and we want justice for our children,” Ms Muño added.
His father, Chrispin Odawa, said he was a “very calm, peaceful, obedient child.”
Mr Masai was taken to Bullis Hospital along Moi Avenue in Nairobi, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.
“He was shot in the upper mid-thigh. He appeared to have bled to death before being transported to our facility,” a doctor told Kenyan state news website.
Kenyans took to social media to mourn and demand justice for the young man.
Hanifa Farsafi, one of the organizers of the protest, reportedly said: “We will print posters with Rex’s face and name all over Nairobi, calling him a hero. We will also pay Burial costs. Posted on Xformerly Twitter.
“My heart is completely broken… but it was not in vain,” she added.
The country’s Independent Police Oversight Agency (Ipoa) said An investigation into the shooting has been launched.
The opposition coalition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya called the shooting a “tragic event with far-reaching consequences” and said Calls for the country’s police chief, Japhet Qom, to resign.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, 39 people were injured during Thursday’s protests, eight of them seriously.
The most seriously injured have been evacuated to Kenyatta National Hospital, the country’s largest referral hospital, for further treatment.
On Tuesday, a police officer lost both arms The tear gas canister exploded before he could throw it away.
He was one of hundreds of police officers deployed to contain protests in Nairobi.
Amnesty International said some police officers Have been using firearms It said more than 100 people were arrested on Thursday.
“The presence of spent cartridges confirms the existence of a shooting,” the human rights group said.
The victim’s injuries included “soft tissue injuries and tear gas inhalation,” the statement added.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo condemned the police’s “brutal behavior” and “unlawful” arrests of protesters.
Police have not commented on the allegations.
But in older statementThe police chief said protesters would not be allowed to access critical government infrastructure or disrupt parliamentary proceedings.
Despite the demonstrations, the controversial bill passed a majority of MPs during its second reading on Thursday.
It will now move to the next stage, where the committee will consider the amendments – with a final vote expected next Tuesday.
Protesters want members of Congress to veto the entire bill.
The government has often argued that the tax measures are necessary to reduce the country’s nearly $80bn (£63bn) national debt.
