A second protester injured during the Thursday, June 20, demonstrations in the Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi succumbed to injuries on Friday, his family said.
Evans Kiratu, 21 was allegedly struck by a tear gas canister in his private parts during the protests, passed away on Friday, June 21. Kiratu’s friends say he was groaning in pains as his both testicles were completely destroyed.
Kiratu was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital by a group of well-wishers, where he was treated for severe injuries and internal bleeding.
He died on Friday afternoon.
On Saturday, Kiratu’s family positively identified his body at the KNH mortuary.
“A Good Samaritan said he was hit by a teargas canister on his private parts and could not do anything,” Rachel Waithanje, Kiratu’s aunt, said.
Kiratu’s demise marked the second after that of a 29-year old Rex Masai who was shot during the Thursday protests in Nairobi.
The brutal Kenya police actions have sparked called for actions against the police officers involved in the killing of the youth.
Masai is said to have been hit by a bullet on his loin that caused him excessive bleeding and eventually his death.
Human rights defenders, the Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International among other rights group have blamed police for using excessive force in dispersing the protesters.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the unarmed protesters are only exercising their constitutional rights and police should never harass them.
[Photos showing anti-riot police whisking away 21 year old Evans Kiratu during Thursday protests in Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi. Photo/courtesy/June, 22, 24].
Ms Odhiambo said it is lawful for Kenyans to show their displeasure with the manner in which the government is running its affairs and specifically on the Finance Bill, 2024.
Already IPOA has instituted probe over the death of Rex Masai as directed by the Director of Public Prosecution on Friday.
