Two people lost their lives on Monday, April 6, in Gem-Ramula, Siaya County, after a failed attempt by protesters to storm a police post.
The two were shot dead by police officers who were trying to disperse a group of angry residents protesting an alleged eviction from a lucrative gold-mining site.
Confirming the incident, area police boss Charles Wafula said the protesters had organised a demonstration but failed to notify authorities as required by law.
“The individuals had organised a demonstration but did not notify the police,” Wafula stated.
He added that officers were forced to intervene after the situation escalated.
“Our officers moved in to contain the situation, but the group began attacking both officers and the Ramula Police Post,” he added.
Reports indicate that protesters damaged key infrastructure at the police post, including police vehicles. In the chaos, a tractor parked nearby was also set on fire as residents accused authorities of ignoring their concerns over the mining activities.
Police reportedly resorted to live ammunition after the situation got out of control. In the process, two youths were fatally shot, while the rest of the crowd fled in panic.
Siaya County Commissioner Norbert Komora condemned the incident, blaming unnamed individuals for allegedly inciting youth to violence.
“Last year, similar incidents occurred, but police did not act. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he said.
Such incidents are not new in the country. During the 2025 Gen Z protests in Kenya, several protesters were reportedly shot in Matuu while attempting to storm a police station after engaging in acts of vandalism.
Authorities have since urged residents to remain calm as investigations into the incident continue.
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