NAIROBI —At least sixteen people were killed in Kenya during anti-government protests held on Wednesday, according to Amnesty Kenya, which says most of the victims were shot dead by police.
The demonstrations, held to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly 2024 protests against tax hikes, turned violent in parts of the country. In Nairobi, security forces fired tear gas, water cannons, and reportedly live rounds to push back crowds.
“We have verified 16 deaths as of 8:30pm,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty Kenya. “Most were killed by police. At least five were confirmed to have been shot.”
The figures, confirmed jointly with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), add to growing concern over the conduct of security agencies. The KNCHR also reported more than 400 injuries among protesters, police, and journalists, describing a “heavy-handed” response by officers using rubber bullets, water cannons and live ammunition.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a state watchdog, said 61 people were arrested during the protests. Meanwhile, Kenyatta National Hospital confirmed it had received over 100 people with gunshot wounds, though no fatalities were reported at the facility.
Among the dead was a security guard working for the national electricity company, Kenya Power. He was shot while patrolling company grounds, according to a statement from the utility.
Tensions and Silenced Broadcasts
Earlier in the day, local TV channels NTV and KTN were abruptly taken off air after broadcasting live footage of protesters marching toward State House President William Ruto’s official residence. A Nairobi court later lifted the ban, and both stations resumed broadcasting.
Protests were also reported in several towns including Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu and Nyeri.
Wednesday’s unrest came in the shadow of last year’s protests, which left over 60 people dead after demonstrators stormed parliament in opposition to proposed tax laws. President Ruto later withdrew the measures, but public anger especially over police violence has simmered.
“We are fighting for justice,” said 23-year-old Lumumba Harmony, one of the demonstrators in Nairobi. “People died on June 25 last year. They died today. They deserve to be remembered.”
A Death That Sparked Outrage
Tensions had already been high in recent weeks following the death of 31-year-old teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Six people, including three officers, were charged with murder on Tuesday. All pleaded not guilty.
Ojwang’s case has become a rallying cry for Kenyans fed up with what they see as a pattern of disappearances, excessive force and a lack of accountability within the police.
On Thursday, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to respond to questions about the allegations by Amnesty Kenya and KNCHR.
International Eyes Watching
Last year’s scenes of police firing at crowds breaking into parliament shocked Kenya’s global partners and marked the most serious crisis of Ruto’s presidency. Wednesday’s events have revived those concerns.
Rights groups are urging the government to hold those responsible accountable.
“It is time to break the cycle of violence,” Houghton said. “Justice must follow every bullet fired.”
