Kenya’s opposition NASA coalition had earlier said that police had provoked the violence and killed 100 people including children. The opposition is yet to concede the outcome, and has called the election a “charade” and the results “fake” and “fictitious.” On Saturday (Aug. 12), Kenya’s main Election Observation Group said its parallel vote tabulation matched the official tally from the national electoral commission.

Protesters supporting opposition leader Raila Odinga attempt to make peace with policemen in Mathare, in Nairobi, Kenya
Protesters supporting opposition leader Raila Odinga attempt to make peace with policemen in Mathare, in Nairobi, Kenya
Image: Reuters/Thomas Mukoya

Fred Matiang’i, the acting interior cabinet secretary, refuted claims of the unrest saying the country was safe except for a few “erratic incidents.” Matiang’i added that the police were responding to “criminal elements” who were out to loot and destroy property. “I am not aware of anyone who has been killed by live bullets in this country. Those are rumors,” he said. “The impression being created on social media that we have security challenges in this country is false.”

Activists and human rights organizations said officials must launch investigations into the reported killings, and bring those responsible to justice. Using the hashtag #StopKisumuKillings, Kenyans on social media also started sharing gory photos of the clampdown and urging the government not to harm protesters.

“Everyone has a right to peaceful protest and they must not be hurt, injured or killed for exercising that right,” said Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International’s regional director for east Africa.

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