Tanasha Donna pauses project to pay tribute to Kenyans killed during recent protests

Songstress Tanasha Donna has postponed the release of her upcoming single to mourn the Kenyans who lost their lives during recent protests. 

The singer took to her Instagram stories on June 28, 2024,  to announce the delay expressing her solidarity and mourning for the lives lost in the tragic events.

“The first single from my project was to drop today but we are mourning the losses of our young heroes… Until further notice…” Tanasha noted.

Tanasha joined other celebrities and legislators in calling out the government to mourn the lives lost in the demonstrations.

Pain, agony as families mourn fallen kin

On June 27, 2024, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released data confirming that the protests carried out on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, resulted in at least 23 deaths nationwide. In Nairobi and Mombasa cities, the institution accounted for 18, and Isiolo and Kakamega each recorded one death.

Various city hospitals were filled with tears, pain, and grief as family members, relatives, and friends gathered to search for their kin killed during the protests on Tuesday.

Police opened fire, killing at least one and injuring several, according to various witness accounts.

“Police have shot four protesters, as witnessed by KHRC, killing one. We strongly condemn the police killing. Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights. Justice and accountability are imperative. We will vigorously push for police accountability,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), a human rights watchdog, tweeted after the clash.

Before the entry to Parliament, reports indicated that at least 10 protesters had been shot and injured.

Similarly, residents in Kiambu County’s Githurai area experienced a nightmare after a raid by police officers on Tuesday evening resulted in dozens of injuries, including a burning car and 20 officers who were injured.

The events followed after Githurai residents had joined in solidarity with other protesters across the country in a day-long demonstration against the Finance Bill 2024.

According to residents, tear gas was used by police during the marches mostly along the Thika Superhighway, causing peaceful protesters to retaliate.