The death toll from police shootings during the anti-government demonstrations hit 12 after two more people died in Kisumu.
The two were shot by police during the protests in the area.
Officials at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) said one of the deceased persons aged 35 passed away on Thursday while undergoing treatment.
He was among six other people rushed to the institution with gunshot wounds.
The second casualty passed on at Nightingale Hospital in Kondele before his remains were transferred to JOOTRH for preservation.
Five other victims are still admitted at JOOTRH having undergone surgeries after they were shot by police in the lakeside city.
About 14 other people injured during the protests, were however been treated and discharged.
Four were shot dead in Mlolongo, two in Kitengela, one along Juja Road in Nairobi, one in Sondu, one in Migori, and one in Emali in Makueni.
The protests that occurred in about 30 counties were called to denounce the high cost of living and the recently introduced Finance Act 2023.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) commenced a probe into allegations that police used live bullets during the anti-government demonstrations.
IPOA chair Ann Makori who confirmed that Rapid Response Teams have been dispatched to probe the claims said law enforcement officers are only justified to use lethal force when their lives are in danger.
Makori said the authority will examine the circumstances under which the firearm was used and confirm whether the lives of the police officers themselves were in danger or not.
Human rights commission KNCHR on Thursday said at least 12 people lost their lives during the demonstrations.
According to KNCHR, four people were killed in Mlolongo while Kitengela, Emali, Sondu, and Migori reported one death each.
‘’The Constitution dictates that an individual’s right to life must be upheld.
One life lost is too many. Every life lost represents someone’s spouse, child, parent, friend, neighbor, or colleague’’, KNCHR said in a statement.
Human rights groups including KHRC, Haki Africa, and MUHURI have accused police officers of using excessive force during the demos that left scores of protesters injured.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said 312 people who directly or indirectly planned, orchestrated, or financed protests and acts of lawlessness including a Member of Parliament, had been arrested and will be charged with various criminal offences.
The search for more culprits is on.
“Security officers are directed to enforce the law firmly and decisively and deal with all criminals, including economic saboteurs, looters, and vandals, who are destroying public and private property.”
