Political situation in Kenya

Kenyan activist charged: “Attempt to silence”

Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi is charged with illegal possession of ammunition, writes Africa News. Critics have said that the trial against Mwangi is a way to try to silence one of the government’s most well-known critics.

Protests against the government have been going on for over a year, and have been repeatedly crushed by police. At least a hundred people have been killed, which has also led to anger being turned against the police.

Boniface was released after an initial hearing on Monday. According to the indictment, he is alleged to have illegally possessed three tear gas canisters. He denies all charges.

Amnesty writes in a statement that the trial appears to be “part of a broader attempt to silence legal opposition.”

President: Police not responsible if protesters die

Kenyan President William Ruto says the police are not responsible for people who are injured or killed during demonstrations, writes The Standard.

Since last year, around 100 people who demonstrated against the government's policies have lost their lives in clashes with the police.

During a speech on Monday, Ruto says that the opposition is inciting young people to try to overthrow the democratically elected government. He also calls on parents to take their responsibility.

- The police have been trained to deal with criminals. They have not been trained in parenting, so if you let the police take care of your children, what do you think will happen?