At least sixteen people lost their lives during widespread anti-government protests across Kenya on June 25, with most of the fatalities reportedly caused by police, according to Amnesty Kenya. The demonstrations marked the anniversary of last year’s deadly tax protests, which saw over 60 people killed and culminated in the storming of Kenya’s parliament.
Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported at least 61 arrests during the protests. Meanwhile, Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi admitted 107 people, most suffering from gunshot wounds—both rubber and live rounds—according to a hospital source. However, the facility had not confirmed any deaths.
Kenya Power, the state electricity company, stated that one of its security personnel was shot dead while patrolling the company’s headquarters in Nairobi.
Isolated confrontations were also reported in towns such as Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri. The demonstrations, although partly in remembrance of the previous year’s victims, were also fueled by ongoing grievances over police violence and lack of accountability.
Protesters like Lumumba Harmony expressed frustration and determination, saying, “We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25… we want justice.”
The events of June 25, 2024—when protesters broke through police barriers and entered parliament as officers opened fire—have triggered the most significant political crisis of President William Ruto’s leadership.
