1 dead in Kenyan opposition protests

By Andrew Ross

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – One person was killed on Monday and many others injured after protests in Kenya turned violent.

Thousands of demonstrators had gathered outside offices of the Kenyan Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in many counties across the country.

Protestors were calling for the commission to be disbanded, accusing it of planning to rig the 2017 elections.

Police tried to disperse crowds in Kisumu town, Western Kenya using teargas but this prompted stone throwing. Armed police and prison security officers fired live rounds in the air to disperse the crowds.

A doctor at Kisumu County Hospital confirmed to an Anadolu Agency reporter that one protester died after suffering serious head injuries. Protesters claim the wounds came from a gunshot.

Two other people also suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital.

Similar scenarios were seen in the capital Nairobi and in Kakamega town, Western Kenya where opposition leaders were tear-gassed alongside protesters.

Businesses remained closed across the East African country on Monday – a day which has been christened ‘Tear Gas Monday’ by many Kenyans.