Nigerian-American singer David Adeleke, popularly known as
Davido, has sent love to Kenyans after holding day-long anti-government
protests.
The singer, in a brief message shared on his social media
pages, also called for peace in the country.
“Peace and love to Kenya,” he said.
The songwriter and record producer is one of the few
artists who have always been vocal about political affairs of not only his
country but the entire continent of Africa.
He has been to Kenya at least twice, the first time being in
2015 and the second time in 2024.
His remarks followed reports by lobby groups, including the Law
Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association
said eight protesters were killed in the protests.
It said that at least 400 others sustained injuries and were
treated, with 83 of them referred to specialised treatment.
“At least eight protesters have been treated for gunshot
wounds. Three of the injured are police officers. While these figures are
confirmed by medics and human rights defenders, sadly, the exact figures may
only be known in the course of time.”
The protests saw Kenyans from at least 23 counties come out
to demonstrate.
The nationwide demonstrations were held to commemorate the
victims with thousands—mostly youth—flooding the streets demanding justice,
reforms and accountability.
At least 60 youths were killed during last year’s protests
that culminated in the protesters storming Parliament in an unprecedented show
of defiance.
The protests, led largely by Kenya’s youth, were fuelled by
calls for justice, government accountability and an end to what many view as a
culture of impunity.
From Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu to Eldoret, scenes of
running battles unfolded yesterday as police responded with what many described
as excessive force.
Streets became battlegrounds filled with gunfire, tear gas,
and stone-throwing, as officers clashed with determined demonstrators. In major
towns like Nairobi, Nakuru, Kitengela (Kajiado), Nyeri, and Thika (Kiambu),
business and transport ground to a halt.
Protesters barricaded roads, lit bonfires and engaged police
in fierce confrontations.
Demonstrations were also reported in Kakamega, Busia, Lamu,
Taita Taveta, Kericho, Mombasa, Kisii, Laikipia, Uasin Gishu, Narok, Embu,
Nyandarua, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Meru and Makueni.