Mutula Kilonzo Jr, Governor of Makueni, has voiced concerns about the shooting of 18-year-old Brian Muendo during Wednesday's anti-government protests in Emali town.
Governor Kilonzo expressed his concern about the occurrence on Thursday and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry.
Muendo's mother, Miriam Mbithe, claims that her son was not involved in the protests and had simply stepped out of their home when he was cruelly shot in the lower abdomen by a police bullet.
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While security forces are responsible for maintaining law and order, the governor of Makueni stated that they must also respect citizens' rights to freely assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public officials.
Governor Kilonzo also conveyed his condolences to Muendo's family and loved ones and wished those injured during the protests a speedy recovery.
At least nine persons were killed in the protests, four in Mlolongo, two in Kitengela, and one in Emali in Makueni County.
Raila Odinga, leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, postponed the anticipated anti-government protest scheduled for the afternoon at the Kamukunji grounds.
During an impromptu press conference, Raila stated that he was forced to cancel the protest because police officers were physically abusing protesters and arresting them, preventing them from exercising their civic rights.
According to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the opposition coalition intends to increase anti-government protests to three days per week starting next week.
On Thursday morning, Sifuna announced on Citizen television that their choice was influenced by the government's failure to listen to Kenyans.
“From next week we will have three days straight of protests from Monday to Wednesday until president Ruto listens to Kenyans,“ he said.
