Two people were shot dead in Kagemi on Monday during clashes between police and demonstrators as Kenya marked Saba Saba Day.

The victims were killed in separate incidents as anti-riot police moved in to disperse protestors who had lit bonfires and were chanting slogans in the area.

Tensions ran high throughout the morning, with residents reporting heavy police presence and blocked roads.

According to a witness who spoke to The Standard, emergency response was hampered after police barricaded several roads leading in and out of Kagemi, making it difficult for ambulances to reach the injured.

“The two were shot by armed police officers who were confronting the youths in the protests. The bodies are still lying on the ground,” said the witness.

Police had earlier mounted roadblocks on key streets and highways leading to the Nairobi Central Business District to prevent protesters from marching into the city centre.

Police are yet to issue an official statement regarding the fatalities.

More to follow…