Clashes erupted in Kenya’s Kakamega on Friday, as hundreds rallied over the handling of the engineering student body was reportedly killed amid earlier protests.
Footage shows crowds of protesters escorting a motorcycle with a coffin, as well as running through tear gas with gunshots heard in the background. Armed police and military were seen blocking roads with burning tyres as protesters rallied.
“The police took the body yesterday and hid it. We went and looked for the body and got it, and upon getting it, it seems like they want to take it away from us again. They are shooting teargas at us, this is very painful,” said Patrick Lukongo, a family friend of the deceased student.
Overnight vigils outside a local mortuary took place earlier, with groups of students and youths gathering to prevent what they claimed to be police attempts to take control of the body.
“Today we removed the body from the mortuary, and we got news that the police do not want this kind of gathering of the people,” said Ian Mwangi, a protester.
The deceased student, Derrick Machanja, was reportedly shot in the head during demonstrations on May 18.
His family said they learned of his death through social media before locating his body at a local mortuary. Relatives have also alleged that a bullet was removed from the body without their knowledge or consent and are demanding justice, accountability, and a full explanation from authorities.
Source: Viory
