At least eight people lost their lives, and more than 400 were injured during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed these numbers.
The protests happened exactly one year after similar demonstrations took place over a controversial tax bill.
Thousands of citizens marched in cities and towns across the country. They demanded justice and protested against police brutality and government policies.
Police Respond With Force in Nairobi
In the capital, Nairobi, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Local media and a Reuters reporter confirmed this.
Violent clashes soon broke out between the police and protesters. According to KNCHR, “all eight reported fatalities were allegedly from gunshot wounds.”
In a statement posted on X, the commission said, “Over 400 casualties have been reported, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists.”
The commission did not name those responsible for the shootings. However, it noted the heavy police presence and reports of “excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons,” which led to many injuries.
Hospitals Overwhelmed With Gunshot Victims
Kenyatta National Hospital, the main hospital in Nairobi, received a large number of the injured.
An official at the hospital told Reuters, “107 admitted, most with gunshot injuries.” He said both rubber bullets and live rounds had been used. However, he added that no deaths had been reported at the hospital itself.
Meanwhile, Kenya Power, the country’s main electricity company, reported that one of its security guards was shot dead. He was on duty near the company’s Nairobi headquarters during the protests.
Protesters March Toward State House
Earlier in the day, large crowds were seen marching toward State House, the official residence of President William Ruto.
Kenyan TV channels NTV and KTN aired the march live. However, both were later taken off air for defying an order to stop showing the protests.
A Nairobi court later suspended that order, and both channels resumed broadcasting by Wednesday evening.
Protesters Target Government Buildings
In Kikuyu town, just outside Nairobi, demonstrators set a court building on fire. Citizen TV posted a video showing flames and smoke rising from the site.
Elsewhere, clashes and protests were reported in several towns, including Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri, according to NTV.
Ongoing Anger Over Police Brutality
Although President Ruto dropped the tax increase after last year’s protests, public anger has continued.
People remain upset about the police’s use of deadly force. The recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody sparked fresh outrage.
This week, six people—including three police officers—were charged with his murder. All of them pleaded not guilty.
Ojwang, aged 31, has become a symbol for Kenyans who lost loved ones in past protests. His death follows a series of mysterious disappearances blamed on security forces.
Protesters Demand Justice
“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25… we want justice,” said Lumumba Harmony, a protester in Nairobi.
Many Kenyans took to the streets to demand accountability for police violence and government action on human rights.
International Concern Grows Over Police Crackdown
The events on June 25, 2024, marked the most serious challenge to President Ruto since he took office. Shocking scenes showed police firing live rounds as protesters stormed barriers and broke into Parliament. The violent crackdown drew concern from Kenya’s global partners, who are now watching the situation closely.