Deadly Clashes Erupt As Protests Mark One Year Since Anti-Government Demonstrations

At least 16 people have been killed and 400 injured in nationwide rallies across Kenya on Wednesday, June 25, as demonstrators clashed with police during protests against alleged police brutality and government corruption. The casualties, which include protesters, police, and journalists, primarily occurred in the capital, Nairobi, with injuries stemming from live fire, rubber bullets, and beatings, according to reports from Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Commemorating Last Year’s Protests and Renewed Grievances

The demonstrations mark the first anniversary of the 2024 youth-led protests against proposed tax hikes, during which human rights groups claim at least 60 people were killed by security forces. Thousands took to the streets yesterday to commemorate those events, with some in Nairobi waving Kenyan flags and placards bearing images of last year’s victims. Chants of “Ruto must go,” targeting President William Ruto, whose proposed tax increases ignited last year’s unrest, echoed through the crowds.

“I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest. It is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year,” said Eve, a 24-year-old woman, to AFP. “The police are here… they are supposed to protect us, but they kill us.”

Angel Mbuthia, chair of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party, emphasized the significance of the day for young people, stating, “It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them… who are fighting for good governance.”

Widespread Clashes and Government Crackdown

Clashes between demonstrators and police, who deployed tear gas and wielded batons, were reported across the country. In Nairobi, police blocked main roads leading to the central business district, and government buildings were barricaded with razor wire.

Beyond the capital, protests and isolated clashes were reported in various towns, including Matuu, approximately 100km (62 miles) from Nairobi, as well as the port city of Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, and Nyeri. Citizen TV reported that protesters even torched court facilities in Kikuyu, on the outskirts of Nairobi.

In response to the unrest, the government ordered TV and radio stations to halt live coverage of the protests. NetBlocks, a global internet tracker, reported restrictions on the social media platform Telegram, and Kenyan broadcaster KTN was taken off air later on Wednesday, according to an official at its parent company, Nation Media Group. Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Nairobi, noted the widespread police violence against the protests, citing local media reports of about a dozen people being treated for gunshot wounds.

Mounting Anger Over Police Brutality and Disappearances

The anniversary protests come amid escalating anger over police brutality. This sentiment intensified following the death of

At least 16 people have been killed and 400 injured in nationwide rallies across Kenya on Wednesday, June 25, as demonstrators clashed with police during protests against alleged police brutality and government corruption. The casualties, which include protesters, police, and journalists, primarily occurred in the capital, Nairobi, with injuries stemming from live fire, rubber bullets, and beatings, according to reports from Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

Commemorating Last Year’s Protests and Renewed Grievances

The demonstrations mark the first anniversary of the 2024 youth-led protests against proposed tax hikes, during which human rights groups claim at least 60 people were killed by security forces. Thousands took to the streets yesterday to commemorate those events, with some in Nairobi waving Kenyan flags and placards bearing images of last year’s victims. Chants of “Ruto must go,” targeting President William Ruto, whose proposed tax increases ignited last year’s unrest, echoed through the crowds.

“I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest. It is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year,” said Eve, a 24-year-old woman, to AFP. “The police are here… they are supposed to protect us, but they kill us.”

Angel Mbuthia, chair of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party, emphasized the significance of the day for young people, stating, “It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them… who are fighting for good governance.”

Widespread Clashes and Government Crackdown

Clashes between demonstrators and police, who deployed tear gas and wielded batons, were reported across the country. In Nairobi, police blocked main roads leading to the central business district, and government buildings were barricaded with razor wire.

Beyond the capital, protests and isolated clashes were reported in various towns, including Matuu, approximately 100km (62 miles) from Nairobi, as well as the port city of Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, and Nyeri. Citizen TV reported that protesters even torched court facilities in Kikuyu, on the outskirts of Nairobi.

In response to the unrest, the government ordered TV and radio stations to halt live coverage of the protests. NetBlocks, a global internet tracker, reported restrictions on the social media platform Telegram, and Kenyan broadcaster KTN was taken off air later on Wednesday, according to an official at its parent company, Nation Media Group. Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Nairobi, noted the widespread police violence against the protests, citing local media reports of about a dozen people being treated for gunshot wounds.

Mounting Anger Over Police Brutality and Disappearances

The anniversary protests come amid escalating anger over police brutality. This sentiment intensified following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, who was killed in custody earlier this month after being arrested for criticizing a senior officer. Six people, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder, all having pleaded not guilty.

While police have stated that protests are permitted if “peaceful and unarmed,” a group of peaceful protesters last week was reportedly attacked by a large gang of motorbike-riding “goons,” who are known to work in tandem with police.

On Tuesday, several Western embassies, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, released a joint statement urging all parties to “facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence,” also condemning the use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles. In response, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that any policing violations would be addressed through government institutions, reminding that “diplomatic partnerships flourish best in mutual respect, open channels and a recognition of each other’s unique governance contexts.”

Disillusionment with Ruto’s Government

The protests also reflect growing resentment among Kenya’s youth towards President Ruto, who assumed power in 2022 promising rapid economic progress. Many are disillusioned by continued stagnation, corruption, and high taxes, despite last year’s protests forcing Ruto to cancel an unpopular finance bill.

Furthermore, human rights groups have documented over 80 disappearances of government critics since last year’s protests, with dozens still missing. This has led many to accuse Ruto of returning Kenya to the “dark days” of its 1980s and 90s dictatorship. While Ruto previously pledged an end to abductions, he adopted an unapologetic stance in a speech on Tuesday, vowing to “stand by” the police and warning protesters against using force or insulting law enforcement, stating, “You are threatening our nation.”

A 31-year-old blogger and teacher, who was killed in custody earlier this month after being arrested for criticizing a senior officer. Six people, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder, all having pleaded not guilty.

While police have stated that protests are permitted if “peaceful and unarmed,” a group of peaceful protesters last week was reportedly attacked by a large gang of motorbike-riding “goons,” who are known to work in tandem with police.

On Tuesday, several Western embassies, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, released a joint statement urging all parties to “facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence,” also condemning the use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles. In response, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that any policing violations would be addressed through government institutions, reminding that “diplomatic partnerships flourish best in mutual respect, open channels and a recognition of each other’s unique governance contexts.”

Disillusionment with Ruto’s Government

The protests also reflect growing resentment among Kenya’s youth towards President Ruto, who assumed power in 2022 promising rapid economic progress. Many are disillusioned by continued stagnation, corruption, and high taxes, despite last year’s protests forcing Ruto to cancel an unpopular finance bill.

Furthermore, human rights groups have documented over 80 disappearances of government critics since last year’s protests, with dozens still missing. This has led many to accuse Ruto of returning Kenya to the “dark days” of its 1980s and 90s dictatorship. While Ruto previously pledged an end to abductions, he adopted an unapologetic stance in a speech on Tuesday, vowing to “stand by” the police and warning protesters against using force or insulting law enforcement, stating, “You are threatening our nation.”