A police officer is fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in Eldoret City after sustaining a fractured skull during violent clashes with protesters on Wednesday.

The officer was reportedly struck on the head with a sling projectile as chaos erupted on the outskirts of the town.

According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, seven other officers sustained serious injuries after being pelted with stones.  The injured officers were treated and later discharged from local hospitals.

“The demonstrators turned violent, with many showing clear intent to loot and destroy property. However, our officers were able to repulse them and restore order,” said Mwanthi.

At least one civilian was killed during the unrest, allegedly after being attacked by a mob while attempting to loot a shop.

“The man was killed by a mob while trying to break into a shop,” explained Mwanthi, adding that investigations are ongoing.

A police canter truck attached to Kamukunji Police Station was also set ablaze in the melee, which stretched late into the night.

Mwanthi further revealed that 72 individuals were arrested during the Eldoret protests and are currently assisting police with investigations.

An unknown number of civilians also sustained minor to moderate injuries during the confrontations.

Many were rushed to various hospitals in Eldoret, treated, and discharged the same day.

The unrest in Eldoret was part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations held to commemorate last year’s youth-led protests against the Finance Bill, during which at least 60 people were killed by security forces, according to human rights organisations.

This year’s commemorative protests, marked by vigils and marches in various towns, turned violent in some areas, with reports of chaos, arrests, arson and excessive use of force by law enforcement.

According to international media, at least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured across the country during the protests.

Authorities have condemned the violence, with security agencies vowing to take firm action against individuals involved in looting, attacks on officers, and destruction of property.

Scores were killed in the nationwide rallies against police brutality and government corruption in Kenya, according to Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Another 400 people were injured on Wednesday, including protesters, police and journalists.

The casualties included people hit by live fire and others who were wounded by rubber bullets, or were beaten.

Demonstrators had clashed with police, who hurled tear gas canisters and wielded batons.