Nairobi: Activist Shakira Wafula Injured in Protest, Rescued by Ambulance

Shakira Wafula, a human rights activist, was injured during an anti-kidnapping protest in downtown Nairobi
Wafula is reported to have been hit by a tear gas canister where he fainted and was immediately rushed to the hospital
The protest held on December 30, 2024, was organized to condemn the increase in kidnapping incidents in the country

Youth activist and human rights activist Shakira Wafula has been injured in protest ongoing anti-kidnapping in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

Human rights activist Shakira Wafula was teargassed during a protest in Nairobi CBD. Photo: Shakira Wafula.
Source: Twitter

In a video shared online by NTV KenyaWafula was caught being carried on a stretcher by paramedics to an ambulance.

He was taken to a hospital in Nairobi, and the details of his injuries have not yet been disclosed.

However, according to reports, the young activist fainted after being hit with a tear gas canister while protesting in the capital.

In a recent post on his X account, he wrote that he is doing well.

Why are there protests in Nairobi CBD?

On December 27, 2024, human rights activists and part of Kenya's youth announced a new protest against the government.

The protest planned for Monday, December 30, was intended to seek answers about the allegations of injustice and the recent wave of kidnappings of people defaming the President William Ruto.

In addition, the activists were protesting against law enforcement agencies accused of conducting illegal detention.

Police fire tear gas at protesters in downtown Nairobi

In related news, TUKO.co.ke reported that chaos broke out in Nairobi CBD as police moved to disperse the protesters with tear gas.

On the morning of Monday, December 30, heavy smoke and the echo of gunshots filled the air as police fired missiles at protesters who were chanting and calling for the release of those who had been kidnapped.