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Several Azimio leader Raila Odinga media team personnel were injured in an attack targeting them during the Maandamano protests at Pipeline Estate in Nairobi.
A video shared on social media by the embedded reporters, show a scene with several anti-riot armored cars, covered with tear gas smoke and an incident where an officer breaks the window of an SUV using his gun before shooting a tear gas canister inside.
A reporter familiar with the incident said one of his colleagues was hit in the face with a canister at close range, breaking his jaw and causing severe injuries to his face.
“It’s a miracle, he’s alive,” the reporter said.
The Kenyan media has criticized the police for targeting protesters and the media. And NTV caption described President William Ruto’s administration as “It’s a Goon-Vernment.”
Another person who witnessed the protests in Nairobi described it in two words. “Ni Kubaya.”
Diasporans react to video of Cop Shooting Teargas Canister in Media SUV (See Video at the End of The Story)
Some Kenyans abroad who have seen the video have described it as scary.
“Thet cop should be arrested, why is he shooting teargas insider a car?” Morris, a New York resident, who asked us to use only his first name said. “But the media should also mark their cars clearly as MEDIA that way such cops cannot claim they didn’t know they were attacking journalists.”
Morris who said he served in the US Marines, said the conduct displayed by the officers in the video suggested they lacked discipline and were operating like vigilantes.
“In such a situation, police officers should always be in uniform so they can be easily identified by people needing help,” Morris said.
Another diasporan took an issue with the officer’s conduct.
“That cop looks like he could do anything he wants,” William Caleb, a California resident said after watching the video. “They should not send cops in plain clothes to a riot that raises questions about their motives.”
Several plain clothed police officers have been cause on video having an altercation with the protestors.
“I think it’s time for Ruto and Gachagua to swallow their pride and meet with Raila,” Sofia Halima, a Tanzanian who grew up in Kenya said. “I love Kenya, but at this rate the country will be destroyed. Wakae chini waongee.”
Dialogue seem to be a far-fetched possibility especially with Odinga demanding opening the IEBC servers as a condition of meeting with President William Ruto. According to Odinga, his victory was stolen and awarded to Ruto. And he has refused to recognize Ruto as a duly elected Kenyan president.
A man who identified himself as Agulu Nyuka said Odinga has every right to demand access to the servers but emphasized that the protests should be about fighting for Kenyans the Ruto admin has neglected. Nyuka took issue with the government appointments and said they promoted cronyism and tribalism.
“I wish I was in Kenya, I would have changed my name to Kipkorir and applied for a CAS job,” Nyuka said. “If Ruto continues with this trend, all his term in office will be wasted fighting protests.”
Sariwa, who asked us to only use his first name said he supported the protests but said two days a week was too much.
“I think Raila should choose one day, either Monday or Thursday otherwise the protesters might burn out and people will stop coming,” Sariwa said.
Her friend Charlie disagreed. “It should be everyday until we end corruption,” Charlie said.
Charlie, who only gave us his first name faulted Ruto for being unprepared for the job. “He spent all these years making all kinds of campaign promises and then in breaks almost all of them within six months. All he has done is hooking-up his friends.”
Charlie said while he doesn’t agree with Odinga 100 percent, but he’s the only person in Kenya who can hold the Ruto admin accountable.
“The attack on the media shows they don’t want them there so they can commit atrocities,” Charlie said.
Silvia Muriungi said Ruto needs more time to enact his policies.
“It’s too early to protest,” Muriungi, a Texas resident said. “I’m concerned about how the police are attacking the media. What are they hiding?”
Muriungi, a Ruto and Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki supporter said while it’s true Kenyans are suffering, Odinga is just taking advantage of the situation to push his personal grievances.
“He’s been doing this every-time he loses,” Muriungi said. “Now they’re out there destroying property.”
Salome Wachira disagreed.
“I like Baba because he has the courage to go out and fight for the little guy. If he benefits from the process, so be it, but somebody has to speak up for poor Kenyans,” Wachira said. “The police should come and make sure the protests are peaceful instead of beating up people and the media.”
Debate is raging on social media
Meanwhile WhatsApp and social media groups are rife with people supporting and opposing the protests.
Various Diaspora Forums (Names altered to maintain anonymity)
- “There’s nothing Raila will gain out of this. Watch! He will come out empty with nothing to show for it. And to make matters worse, kalonzo and Martha Karua will never be president of Kenya. NEVER!” BB said.
- “Back again on the streets, the servers have to be opened,” I.N.K said.
- “Demos are a democratic practice the world over and Kenya is no exception. Where police does not use force, protestors are just having a good time,”
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