Eldoret Demos Aftermath: Officer in ICU with Fractured Skull, Civilian Killed, Police Truck Torched
“The demonstrators turned violent, with many showing clear intent to loot and destroy property. However, our officers were able to repulse them and restore order.”
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander engages protesters along the blocked Eldoret–Uganda highway amid ongoing demonstrations. Image by Elvis Wasike
A police officer is fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a local hospital in Eldoret after sustaining a fractured skull during violent clashes with protesters on Tuesday, June 25. The officer was reportedly struck on the head with a sling projectile as chaos erupted on the outskirts of the town.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed that seven other officers sustained serious injuries after being pelted with stones. The injured officers were treated and later discharged from local hospitals.
Image courtesy.
In an exclusive interview with HubzMedia, Commander Mwanthi stated:
“The demonstrators turned violent, with many showing clear intent to loot and destroy property. However, our officers were able to repulse them and restore order.”
At least one civilian was killed during the unrest, allegedly after being attacked by a mob while attempting to loot a shop. “The man was killed by a mob while trying to break into a shop,” Mwanthi said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
A police canter truck attached to Kamukunji Police Station was also set ablaze in the melee, which stretched into the late hours of the evening.
Mwanthi further revealed that 72 individuals were arrested during the Eldoret protests and are currently assisting police with investigations.
Additionally, an unknown number of civilians sustained minor to moderate injuries during the confrontations. Many were rushed to various hospitals in Eldoret, treated, and discharged the same day.
The unrest in Eldoret was part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations held to commemorate last year’s youth-led protests against tax hikes, during which at least 60 people were killed by security forces, according to human rights organizations.
This year’s commemorative protests, marked by vigils and marches in various towns, turned chaotic in some areas, with reports of violence, arrests, and excessive use of force by law enforcement. According to international media, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured across the country during Tuesday’s events.
Authorities have condemned the violence, with security agencies vowing to take firm action against individuals involved in looting, attacks on officers, and destruction of property.
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