Kenya: Police Officer Dies Amid Opposition Staged Protests

Kenyan police announced on Friday that an officer died in the western city of Kisumu from injuries sustained in clashes during opposition protests the day before.

The police officer's death which happened late on Thursday takes the total of fatalities since the anti-government protests started on Monday last week to three.

As military police fired tear gas and water cannon at demonstrators, there was an upsurge in violence and pandemonium. Businesses were robbed, the property was vandalized, and journalists were assaulted by roving groups.

President William Ruto is accused by opposition leader Raila Odinga of hijacking the election from the previous year and of failing to rein in the rising cost of living. He has called for demonstrations every Monday and Thursday.

Despite requests for discussions to restore peace from both domestic and international sources, Raila Odinga declared on Thursday that the action would go on.

On Thursday, the third day of the demonstrations, hundreds of protesters clashed with riot police in several towns, including the nation's capital Nairobi and Odinga's lakeside stronghold of Kisumu.

“As a result of yesterday’s demonstrations, one police officer in Kisumu succumbed to injuries while on duty,” Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said.

According to a police report seen by AFP, the officer was injured when they were “overwhelmed by charging rioters” who were looting a supermarket.

At least 20 police officers were injured across the country on Thursday, Koome added.

The United States said Friday said it was “deeply concerned” by the reports.

“Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy,” US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman said in a statement.