Eight killed, 400 injured in Kenya protests: rights coalition
A hospital source in Matuu, a town around 100 kilometres (65 miles) from Nairobi, earlier told AFP that two people had died from gunshot wounds there.
Kenya was on high alert on Wednesday as it marked a year since thousands stormed parliament at the peak of anti-government protests, with fears that memorial marches would be met by state-backed gangs and police violence. (File)
By AFP .
Journalists @New Vision
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Nairobi, Kenya | AFP
Eight protesters were killed and at least 400 injured, with 83 in serious condition, following protests across Kenya on Wednesday, a coalition of rights groups said in a statement.
The Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya and Police Reforms Working Group, an alliance of rights organisations including Amnesty International, expressed "condolences to the families of the eight protesters who were killed today".
"At least 400 others were treated, with 83 of them referred to specialised treatment for serious injuries. At least eight protesters have been treated for gunshot wounds. Three of the injured include police officers," the statement said.
A hospital source in Matuu, a town around 100 kilometres (65 miles) from Nairobi, earlier told AFP that two people had died from gunshot wounds there.
Kenya Power said in a statement that a security guard had been shot amid the protests at its Nairobi headquarters in unclear circumstances.
"Today's protests saw significant numbers of protesters publicly demonstrate across 23 counties. We urge those still on the streets to exercise care to avoid further loss of life and injury," the rights coalition said, urging police to "exercise restraint".