At least 50 people were arrested in Kakamega town on Wednesday after peaceful protests took a violent turn, leading to scenes of vandalism and attempted looting.
Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed the arrests, saying officers acted swiftly to stop the crowd from breaking into shops and damaging public property. “Some suspects were caught trying to force entry into businesses and were seen smashing the windows of a police vehicle,” he told reporters.
The protests were part of the larger, nationwide demonstrations largely driven by Kenya’s Generation Z. Initially calm, they escalated in the afternoon, prompting a heavier police presence.
“No property was looted, and no injuries have been reported so far,” Commander Mohamud said. The suspects are expected to appear in court on Thursday, 26 June.
He also issued a firm warning to those planning further protests in Kakamega. “The permitted protest window ended at 2:00 p.m. yesterday,” he said. “Anyone found demonstrating beyond that time will be treated as a criminal.”
The June 25 demonstrations, which erupted in several towns across Kenya, were sparked by opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2025. Many young people, mobilised online, took to the streets to express frustration over what they view as an increasingly heavy tax burden and lack of economic opportunity.
Though largely peaceful in most regions, pockets of unrest emerged in areas like Nairobi, Kisumu, and now Kakamega.
Police in Nairobi have been criticised for firing tear gas at journalists covering the events, raising fresh concerns about press freedom during times of unrest. In Kisumu, both political and church leaders condemned the violence but also urged police to exercise restraint.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i appealed to officers nationwide: “Please do not turn your weapons on your fellow citizens.”
Meanwhile, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka voiced outrage after reports that the Communication Authority of Kenya had ordered broadcasters to cut off live coverage of the protests. “This kind of censorship only deepens public distrust,” he said.
Despite the arrests, the spirit of the protests appears undeterred. Online, Gen Z activists have vowed to continue demanding change peacefully but persistently. Whether the government listens or hardens its stance remains to be seen.
As night fell on Kakamega, many shops remained shuttered, and a tense calm settled over the town.