Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has accused protesters of attempting a coup following deadly nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday. Protests erupted in 23 of the country’s 47 counties, with thousands of Kenyans—mainly youth—taking to the streets to demand better governance and an end to police brutality.
The demonstrations, organized through social media, marked the first anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests that saw demonstrators storm Parliament, resulting in at least 60 deaths. This year’s protests have left 16 people dead, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, with 20 more still missing.
In the capital, Nairobi, Murkomen toured damaged businesses where looters were caught on CCTV stealing from shops. He vowed that police would track down those responsible and ensure arrests are made.
“Those who attempted to overthrow the government through violence will be dealt with,” Murkomen said, defending the actions of security forces during the protests. “The government has your back,” he told police officers.
Key government buildings, including Parliament and the president’s office, were heavily barricaded with razor wire, and roads leading to them were blocked.
The protests turned violent in several areas, with two police stations set on fire and property destroyed. Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans, and some called for the resignation of President William Ruto.
The protests are seen as a sign of growing frustration among Kenyans over economic hardships, alleged government corruption, and continued reports of police abuses.