At least 16 people are dead and hundreds more injured after fresh protests swept across Kenya on Wednesday, marking the first anniversary of last year’s youth-led uprising against government corruption and police brutality.
The day was meant to honour lives lost in 2024, when protests against tax hikes spiralled into nationwide unrest. But it quickly turned bloody again, as police clashed with demonstrators in cities and towns across the country.
“We were just remembering those we lost,” said Eve, a 24-year-old demonstrator who had taken to the streets of Nairobi. “Instead, they’re trying to silence us again. We came in peace, but they’re shooting at us.”
According to Amnesty International and Kenya’s national human rights watchdog, at least 400 people were injured-including police officers, journalists and protesters. Many were struck by live bullets, others beaten or wounded by rubber rounds.
Streets of Rage
Downtown Nairobi turned into a standoff zone by mid-morning. Protesters waved flags and held up photos of last year’s victims, chanting “Ruto must go,” a rebuke aimed at President William Ruto.
Roads into the city centre were blocked. Government buildings were sealed off with razor wire. Protesters clashed with riot police who responded with tear gas and batons.
Similar scenes played out across the country-from the port city of Mombasa to towns like Kisii, Kitengela, Nyeri and Matuu. In Kikuyu, on Nairobi’s outskirts, a court building was reportedly set ablaze.
“We must never forget what happened last year,” said Angel Mbuthia, head of the youth wing of the opposition Jubilee Party. “Those were young people-just like us-who were killed for demanding better governance.”
Media Blackout and Internet Disruptions
As tensions escalated, the government moved to restrict coverage. Broadcaster KTN was abruptly taken off air. Local TV and radio stations were instructed to halt live reports.
NetBlocks, a group monitoring internet freedoms, said Telegram-widely used by organisers-had been restricted. Human rights groups accused authorities of attempting to suppress dissent through digital censorship.
Al Jazeera’s Malcolm Webb, reporting from Nairobi, said the police response was “heavy-handed,” with multiple local outlets confirming that live ammunition had been used on crowds.
A Flashpoint Year Later
The timing of the protests was symbolic. Last June, a proposed finance bill sparked one of the largest youth-led movements in Kenya’s modern history. Rights groups said over 60 people were killed then. Many were unarmed.
President Ruto eventually withdrew the bill, but frustrations have only grown. While he came to office in 2022 promising prosperity and reform, young Kenyans say they’ve seen little change-only more hardship.
“Unemployment is still high. Corruption is worse. And the police treat us like criminals,” said 22-year-old university student Brian Odhiambo.
The recent death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody after criticising a senior officer, reignited outrage. This week, three police officers and three civilians were charged with his murder. They pleaded not guilty.
A report by Kenya’s Citizen TV last week showed protesters being attacked by armed gangs riding motorbikes-commonly referred to in Kenya as “goons.” Witnesses claimed they operated in tandem with police, raising fresh concerns about the use of hired enforcers to quash dissent.
International Concern, Government Pushback
Western governments, including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, issued a joint statement urging authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly. They also warned against the use of “plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles,” saying it undermines public trust.
Kenya’s Foreign Ministry responded with a sharp statement calling for “mutual respect” and defending the country’s institutions.
Still, the mood remains tense. Rights groups say more than 80 government critics have disappeared since last year’s protests. Dozens remain missing. While Ruto promised an end to extrajudicial abductions, critics say the problem has worsened.
On Tuesday, the president offered little reassurance.
“You cannot use force against the police or insult them,” he said in a televised speech. “That is threatening the nation.”
But for many young Kenyans, it is not the protesters who pose the threat-it is the silence, the disappearances, and the bullets that return every June.
