NAIROBI, Kenya
At least 35 civilians have been shot dead by police in Kenya this month during protests over new taxes and the rising cost of living.
27-year-old Douglas Kalasinga
is thought to be one of them.
Relatives say he was shot on
while at work, pushing a handcart of water cans and was not taking part in
demonstrations.
Rasto Sakulo is one of
Kalasinga's relatives and said: "We want action to be taken against
the police officer who was shooting randomly.
"Why would they shoot at
people, even those carrying water? Those going about their business? When you
meet the police, should they help you or kill you?
"If he was demonstrating,
the police should have dispersed [the protesters]. Why would you shoot at
somebody's child? What will happen to your child tomorrow?"
President William Ruto had
praised police for doing a “good job” in maintaining peace amid the protests
but later cautioned police against extrajudicial killings while adding
that no public anarchy would be allowed.
Ruto's administration has
accused the opposition of inciting chaos and charged more than 300 people this
week alone with crimes that include looting, destroying property and assaulting
police.
But many Kenyans accuse him of
making life unbearable with taxes on fuel and other essentials and rising food
costs.
Kalasinga's friend, Emannuel
Sikuku, said: "Police should not come to shoot people. They should
arrest suspects and investigate.
"Right now, people are
struggling to survive, people are suffering because of hunger and the cost of
living is high. If I decide to go and demonstrate, I am not going there to
throw stones at anyone or steal. Why should you profile me?"
Human rights organisations
have expressed concern over the police killings, arbitrary arrests and
detentions reported in the demonstrations this month and urged the policing
watchdog to investigate and prosecute officers found guilty.
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