Nairobi: At least 16 people lost their lives across Kenya on Wednesday during nationwide protests marking the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations, according to Amnesty International Kenya. Most of the victims were reportedly killed by police as thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets to honor those who died during similar protests in 2024.
Amnesty Kenya’s Executive Director, Irungu Houghton, confirmed that 16 deaths had been verified by both Amnesty and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) as of 8:30 p.m. “The majority were shot dead by police,” Houghton -cited by Reuters-.
KNCHR, a state-funded rights body, had earlier reported eight fatalities, all allegedly from gunfire. The commission said over 400 people had been injured, including civilians, police officers, and journalists. It cited reports of excessive police force, involving live rounds, rubber bullets, and water cannons.
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed at least 61 arrests during the day’s protests.
At Kenyatta National Hospital, a source said more than 100 people were admitted with gunshot wounds—both from rubber bullets and live ammunition—though no deaths had been reported at the facility.
Among the casualties was a Kenya Power security guard, shot dead while on patrol at the company’s headquarters in Nairobi.
Protesters in the capital attempted to march toward State House, the president’s official residence, according to live broadcasts by local TV channels NTV and KTN. The two stations were temporarily taken off air by the government after they defied an order from the Communications Authority to halt live coverage. A Nairobi court later suspended that directive, allowing broadcasts to resume.
Elsewhere, skirmishes broke out in cities and towns including Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri.
The protests came one year after Kenyans stormed parliament during demonstrations against a controversial tax bill, in which over 60 people were killed. Although President William Ruto eventually withdrew the proposed tax hikes, public frustration has persisted—particularly over the heavy-handed tactics of law enforcement.
Anger has intensified in recent weeks following the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody. Six individuals, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder. They all pleaded not guilty.
The violent clashes and the storming of parliament on June 25, 2024, marked a turning point in Ruto’s presidency, drawing concern from global observers and increasing pressure on the government to address human rights abuses and police brutality.
