Kenya Protests: Deadly Clashes and Calls for Change

At least eight people were killed and hundreds injured as Kenyan police used live rounds, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against nationwide protests marking a year since deadly demonstrations over a tax bill. Authorities restricted media coverage and limited Telegram access, while some TV stations reported signal shutdowns. Protesters, many young and citing economic hardship, police brutality, and lack of accountability for last year’s violence, called for President William Ruto to resign. Rights groups reported gunshot injuries among demonstrators and wounded police. Critics accuse Ruto’s government of higher taxes, corruption, and suppressing dissent; Western governments condemned the use of plainclothes officers and alleged hired agitators. Despite heavy security, protesters insisted on their right to demonstrate and to commemorate those killed in 2024.

Thousands protested across Kenya, especially in Nairobi, denouncing police brutality, corruption, rising costs, and President William Ruto’s policies. Clashes with security forces left at least eight dead and hundreds injured, with reports of gunshot wounds and heavy use of tear gas and water cannons. The demonstrations mark a year since deadly anti-tax protests and have broadened to demand accountability for past killings and a blogger’s death in police custody, for which three officers were charged. While the government affirmed the right to peaceful protest, it deployed a strong police presence and restricted mainstream media coverage, pushing reporting to social platforms. Analysts say the movement reflects deep frustration with governance and has tempered some policy moves, potentially shaping Kenya’s 2027 elections.

At least 16 people were killed and about 400 injured across Kenya as nationwide demonstrations to honor victims of last year’s anti-government protests turned violent. Rights groups say most deaths were caused by police. Clashes erupted in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and other areas, with police using tear gas, water cannon and batons, and protesters throwing stones and setting fires. Authorities blocked access to key sites, restricted live media coverage, and took several TV stations off air. The unrest is fueled by anger over corruption, rising costs, alleged police brutality, and recent deaths linked to police actions. Protest organizers urged dialogue to resolve the political impasse.

Kenyans plan nationwide marches on the first anniversary of the 2024 storming of parliament to honor those killed during anti-government protests, amid fears of renewed unrest. Last year’s demonstrations over proposed tax hikes left at least 60 dead and spurred broader demands for reforms and President William Ruto’s resignation. Although Ruto withdrew the finance bill and reshuffled his cabinet, grievances over police brutality, corruption, unemployment, and rising living costs persist. Recent protests were reignited by the custodial death of teacher Albert Ojwang and the police shooting of vendor Boniface Kariuki. Activists call for peaceful vigils and processions, while authorities warn against disorder and some pro-government figures issue threats. Foreign envoys and Catholic bishops urge respect for peaceful assembly and restraint by police.

Protests across Kenya marking one year since mass anti-government demonstrations turned deadly, with two protesters killed by gunshot wounds in Matuu and dozens injured nationwide. Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital reported 56 protest-related admissions, mostly rubber bullet wounds, and one injured police officer. Police heavily barricaded central Nairobi, including parliament and the statehouse, prompting a legal challenge by the Katiba Institute over alleged unlawful roadblocks and violations of rights to assembly and movement. Authorities ordered a halt to live protest coverage, taking at least two broadcasters off air, though some media continued reporting. The unrest echoes last year’s protests against proposed tax hikes amid a cost-of-living crisis, when at least 60 people were killed and parliament was briefly stormed.