Kenya Protest Anniversary Turns Deadly as Clashes Leave Eight Dead, Hundreds Injured

A protest in Kenya marking the one-year anniversary of massive anti-government demonstrations turned violent on Wednesday, leaving at least eight people dead and over 400 injured. What began as a peaceful march quickly escalated into chaos as demonstrators clashed with police across Nairobi and other parts of the country.

Security forces flooded the streets of the capital, firing tear gas and using water cannons to disperse crowds. Government buildings were barricaded with barbed wire, while protesters hurled stones and demanded the resignation of President William Ruto.

The protest commemorated last year’s deadly demonstrations over tax hikes, which saw at least 60 people killed and a mob storm Kenya’s parliament on June 25, 2024.

“We are marching against police brutality, against oppression by the government, against high taxation — everything that is going wrong in this country,” said Anthony, a 25-year-old protester in Nairobi.

A coalition of rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Kenyan Medical Association, confirmed that protests were held in 23 counties and that at least 83 of the injured were in critical condition requiring specialised care.

In Matuu, about 100 km from Nairobi, a hospital source said two people died from gunshot wounds. Local media reported that police had opened fire.

The government ordered television and radio outlets to suspend live coverage of the protests. Telegram, a popular messaging app, was also restricted, according to global internet watchdog NetBlocks.

“We want a complete overhaul of the system. The system is rotten; the system is rogue,” said protester Florence Achala.

Although masked vigilantes known locally as “goons” — accused of colluding with police — were not seen in large numbers this time, their presence last week during similar protests drew sharp condemnation from Western embassies, including those of the U.S., U.K., and Germany.

Political analyst and lawyer Javas Bigambo warned of escalating tensions: “There is nothing good to celebrate about the events that happened last year. If we were serious about commemorating June 25th, it should be in solemnity, prayer, and restraint.”

President Ruto, elected in 2022 on promises of rapid economic recovery, has faced mounting criticism over stalled reforms, rising taxes, and a surge in enforced disappearances. Rights groups report over 80 government critics have gone missing since last year’s protests, with many still unaccounted for.

Despite pledging to end abductions, Ruto defended police actions in a Tuesday speech, saying he would “stand by” law enforcement in the face of unrest.