NAIROBI, Apr 28 (AGCNewsNet) – An investigation has revealed the identities of the security officers responsible for the fatal shooting of anti-tax protesters outside Kenya's parliament on June 25, 2024. Following a detailed analysis of over 5,000 images and video footage, it was confirmed that the protesters, who were unarmed, were deliberately targeted, sparking outrage over the use of excessive force by law enforcement.

The incident occurred during large-scale protests against the government’s controversial finance bill. Thousands of Gen Z protesters, mobilized via social media, gathered in Nairobi to demand the cancellation of new taxes. Despite early efforts by the police to control the crowds with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, the situation escalated when protesters breached police barricades and entered parliamentary grounds. Th investigation revealed that plain-clothes officers, including one identified as John Kaboi, were caught on camera urging colleagues to “kill” the demonstrators. Kaboi’s actions were confirmed to have resulted in the deaths of two protesters, David Chege and Ericsson Mutisya, both of whom were unarmed at the time.

The deaths triggered nationwide condemnation and calls for accountability. Despite a parliamentary committee’s recommendation for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the killings, no report has been issued, and no security officer has faced consequences for their actions.

As the violence intensified, protests continued throughout the day. At 15:04, 27-year-old Eric Shieni was shot in the head by a soldier while leaving the scene. Footage analyzed confirmed that Shieni was unarmed when he was killed. The soldier responsible for the fatal shot remains unidentified, but his clear aim to kill was questioned by human rights activists, including Faith Odhiambo, president of the Law Society of Kenya, who condemned the act as a deliberate execution.

The protests eventually led to the government dropping the Finance Bill on June 26, with President William Ruto conceding to the people’s demands. However, the lack of justice for the slain protesters has continued to haunt the country, with no security officer being held accountable for the deaths.

The investigation highlights the ongoing issues surrounding police brutality and the failure of Kenyan authorities to hold those responsible accountable, despite public outcry and calls for transparency.

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