Death, injuries, vandalism reported in week two of Azimio mass protests

A protester light up fire during Azimio mass protests at Makina in Kibra, Nairobi. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

Death, injuries and destruction of property were reported on Monday, March 27 as police engaged protesters during the second week of Azimio mass action.

Teargas and stone hurling were the order of the day as protesters defied police orders to barricade the roads and cause the destruction of property.

In Kisumu, one person died during the protests as police engaged rioters.

According to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent George Rae, the victim's body was dropped at the hospital's morgue by two police officers.

Two Azimio protesters were also shot, allegedly by police, during the protests in Rongo. They were rushed to Rongo Hospital and later Migori County Hospital for specialised treatment.

In Nairobi, a child sustained injuries, a motorist was robbed and his car was vandalised as protesters engaged police in running battles in Mathare, Nairobi.

In Kawangware, protesters set ablaze a vehicle as they trekked to join Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leaders led by Raila Odinga in the mass protest.

At some point, police lobbed teargas to disperse demonstrators who were en route to the Central Business District (CBD).

At the same time, intruders are also reported to have invaded Northlands farm in Ruiru, Kiambu, which is associated with the family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. They cut down trees using power saws, set the farm on fire and made away with several goats and sheep. The motive for the invasion is still unclear.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has remained steadfast in his demands to have President William Ruto's government reduce the cost of living.

Odinga has also vowed not to back down until the government, opens the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) servers, and stops the process of appointing new IEBC commissioners among other demands.