CNN has uncovered video footage that exposes a troubling incident of police brutality against peaceful protesters in Kenya.
The video shows a police officer firing live ammunition at demonstrators who were gathered outside the Parliament building, many of whom were waving the Kenyan flag.
The protests had been taking place in response to the government's controversial Finance Bill 2024. Authorities had previously claimed that the protests were largely peaceful, and that only minimal force was used to disperse the crowds. However, the CNN investigation has revealed a very different story.
The footage captured by CNN's team shows a plainclothes individual, later identified as a police officer, calmly approaching the group of protesters and, without warning, opening fire with a handgun. The protesters, who were chanting slogans and waving the national flag, can be seen scattering in terror as the gunshots ring out.
"It was absolute chaos," said an eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of repercussions. "People were running in all directions, trying to take cover. The police officer showed no hesitation in firing directly into the crowd."
The CNN report has sparked widespread condemnation, both within Kenya and internationally. Human rights groups and diplomatic leaders have condemned the use of live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators, describing it as a blatant violation of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Amnesty International's Kenya director, Irungu Houghton, said, "The use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters is completely unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms."