Kenya’s former prime minister Raila Odinga has reportedly been attacked at an anti-government protest.
Mr. Odinga claims that his car was shot at seven times during anti-government protests and said it was an attempt on his life.
In a media briefing, Mr. Odinga said police targeted his vehicle and those of other opposition leaders during a protest procession in the Eastlands part of the capital, Nairobi.
He also accused police of targeting journalists during the anti-government protests and claimed there were plans to attack the offices of the leading Royal Media Services group in Nairobi.
Mr. Odinga criticised the international community for allegedly ignoring human rights abuses by the authorities during the protests.
There’s no justification for the excessive force used against peaceful unarmed citizens exercising their democratic rights today.
The unprovoked attack left my car hit with 7 live bullets, each aimed at me. Despite this, we won’t be deterred. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/tkiFaPwHQI
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) March 30, 2023
He said the opposition would hold a major protest on 3 April to pressure the government to lower the cost of living and carry out electoral reforms, among other demands.
Six journalists were injured during Thursday’s protests, raising the number of media practitioners wounded to 22 since the demos began last week.
STOP THE ATTACKS: March 2023 remains the darkest month for Kenyan media since the clamour for multiparty democracy. We have so far documented 25 cases of attacks on local and foreign journalists at the hands of State and non-State actors since the onset of the demonstrations.1/5 pic.twitter.com/NUtwhYNUQm
— Media Council of Kenya (@MediaCouncilK) March 30, 2023
“The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy,” ambassador Meg Whitman tweeted on Friday morning.
The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy.
— U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman (@USAmbKenya) March 31, 2023
Meanwhile a police officer who was injured during Thursday’s anti-government protests in western Kenya has died.
Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome said Corp Bernard Oduor died while being treated at an intensive care unit.
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Source: Africafeeds.com
