Man shot as youth unsuccessfully attempt to access Uhuru Park

Anti-riot police officers lob tear gas at youthful rioters during anti-tax protests in August 2024 in Nairobi. [AFP]

One person sustained gunshot injuries at Narobi’s Uhuru Park on Sunday after daylong running battles between youths and police, who blocked access to the recreational facility.

The incident occurred during an attempt by youths to gather at the park to honour their peers who lost their lives during anti-government protests in June and July.

Hesbon Bahati, among those heading to the park, was allegedly shot by a police officer.

Bahati, who was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for medical attention, told The Standard he was shot while fleeing for safety after being targeted directly by the officer.

The group, largely composed of Gen Zs who had mobilised themselves online to gather at the ppark during yesterday’s Mashujaa Day celebrations to hold a peaceful commemoration for those killed during the protests.

However, police used tear gas to disperse the crowd outside the park, leading to several arrests.

The move by police to deny them access to the park drew sharp criticism from activists and the youth, who accused the government of suppressing their right to use a public facility.

Activist Boniface Mwangi condemned the heavy police presence to block entry into the park, maintaining that the intention of the gathering was to honour those he termed as heroes, not to protest.

“We asked Kenyans to come to Uhuru Park with flags, flowers, and candles, to celebrate, not to demonstrate, but we have been turned away by police, and some of our colleagues were arrested,” Mwangi said.

He demanded accountability for those responsible for the deaths during the protests.

“We are demanding for justice for those who were killed, and accountability from those who killed the young Kenyans and those who were in charge of the operation to be arrested and charged in court,” said Mwangi.

Nerima Wako, the executive director of Siasa Place, faulted the decision to cordon off the park, describing it as ridiculous, and a denial of access to a public space.

“We are here to celebrate our heroes. But Uhuru Park, which is an open public space, has been closed. Young people have died and we have no answers.’’

Yet the government continues to act as if they do not know that these young people exist and they lived” said Wako.

Nafula Wafula, a human rights activist, called for accountability and respect for constitutional rights.

She stated the importance of shifting the national conversation away from political power struggles to focus on the needs of the people.

“This country is about more than the people that have been put into leadership because they are our servants. This country is about the people, and sovereign power belongs to the people,” Wafula said.