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Corbis News
Forensic experts must analyze officers’ weapons (file photo)
Two police officers in Kenya have been arrested in connection with a shooting that killed two people.
The shooting occurred Saturday at the Soko Ng’ombe market in eastern Garissa County, during a protest against the arrest of a man suspected of murder.
The two victims have been named as Aden Abdi Madobe and Muhiyadin Adow Shibin.
The Kenyan police watchdog has launched an investigation into the shooting. It will include “forensic analysis” of the officers’ weapons.
Garissa’s deputy, Aden Duale, called the deaths “appalling” and condemned “police brutality” in a statement posted on Facebook.
Activists have raised concerns about surveillance during the pandemic.
According to Amnesty International, Kenyan agents have killed 21 people since March for failing to comply with coronavirus prevention measures, such as curfews and wearing masks.
Earlier this month, police in the capital Nairobi fired tear gas and arrested several protesters participating in the annual Saba Saba march, a protest event that began 30 years ago against the autocratic regime of then-President Daniel arap Moi.
Correspondents say this year’s event received an additional boost from anger at police crackdowns during the Covid-19 shutdown.
