Sixteen Killed, Hundreds Injured in Anti-Government Protests Across Kenya

At least 16 people have been killed and around 400 injured during widespread protests across Kenya, according to Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The protests, centered around issues of police brutality and government corruption, mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations that were largely youth-led and triggered by unpopular tax increases. The latest unrest reflects ongoing public frustration with President William Ruto’s leadership and economic policies.

The majority of injuries and deaths occurred in Nairobi, where demonstrators clashed with police. Victims included protesters, journalists, and police officers, with many wounded by live ammunition, rubber bullets, and beatings. Police responded with tear gas and batons as thousands took to the streets, waving flags and carrying placards bearing images of those killed in last year’s protests. Some chanted “Ruto must go,” signaling a deepening discontent with the current government.

The demonstrations were especially intense in the capital but also spread to towns like Matuu, Kitengela, Kisii, Nyeri, and Mombasa. Protesters commemorated the events of June 25 the previous year, when over 60 people were killed during anti-tax protests. Roads leading into central Nairobi were blocked, and government buildings were barricaded with razor wire. Reports also emerged of court buildings being set ablaze in Kikuyu, near Nairobi.

Amid escalating violence, the government cracked down on media and communication. TV and radio stations were ordered to stop live coverage of the protests. Telegram was restricted, and a major broadcaster, KTN, was taken off air. According to Al Jazeera’s reporting, police across the country responded with excessive force. Local media said about a dozen people were treated for gunshot wounds.

Public outrage has intensified following the recent death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, who died in custody after criticizing a senior police officer. Six people, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder, though all pleaded not guilty. This incident has amplified concerns over police brutality and lack of accountability.

Despite government claims that protests are legal if peaceful and unarmed, recent events tell a different story. Peaceful demonstrators were attacked by armed gangs riding motorcycles and reportedly collaborating with police. These “goons,” armed with clubs and whips, disrupted the protests violently.

The international community has expressed concern. The embassies of the U.S., U.K., Canada, and other Western countries issued a joint statement urging peaceful demonstrations and condemning the use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles, citing this practice as eroding public trust. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating that any policing misconduct would be addressed through institutional channels and emphasized the importance of mutual respect in international relations.

President Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising economic growth, now faces growing discontent, especially among the youth. Many feel betrayed by stagnating economic conditions, rising taxes, and continued corruption. Although last year’s protests forced Ruto to scrap a controversial finance bill, ongoing issues such as forced disappearances—over 80 reported since last year—have caused concern. Critics accuse Ruto of reviving authoritarian tactics reminiscent of Kenya’s past dictatorships.

In a speech, Ruto defended the police and warned protesters against attacking or insulting law enforcement, stating such actions threaten national stability.