A protester stands resolutely in front of a barricade engulfed in flames in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya, on June 25, 2025. The scene, captured by Luis Tato for AFP, encapsulates both the fervor and the despair that has engulfed the nation during a time of profound unrest.
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The recent anti-government protests in Kenya resulted in a tragic toll, with reports indicating that sixteen individuals lost their lives, most notably at the hands of police according to Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty Kenya. This incident marks a haunting anniversary—one year since violent demonstrations sparked by an unpopular tax bill culminated in a shocking storming of Parliament.
On that fateful Wednesday, thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets to commemorate last year’s protests, where over 60 people died amidst clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. As tensions escalated, police deployed tear gas and water cannons, attempting to corral crowds in Nairobi. Eyewitness accounts from Reuters report the harrowing scenes, as chaos unfolded in the capital, with Houghton lamenting, “Most were killed by police,” adding that five of the deceased had suffered gunshot wounds. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reports that eight deaths were verified, all allegedly caused by firearms.
As Kyla, a young woman present during the protests, recounted her experience, her voice trembled, “I remember the moment they began firing. We were just standing together, and it felt like the world collapsed.” Her anecdotals resonate with the collective loss felt by many in Kenya. According to KNCHR, more than 400 individuals sustained injuries, including demonstrators, journalists, and police officers—illustrating a complex narrative where the lines blur between right and wrong.
The watchdog organization expressed concern over the heavy police presence and “allegations of excessive force,” a sentiment echoed by countless others who have witnessed brutality on the streets. Houghton estimates a troubling landscape, where words like “rubber bullets” and “live ammunition” have become part of everyday dialogue. The realities are grim, yet the questions linger: Who truly protects the people when those sworn to serve and protect become the very instigators of violence?
Amidst this sorrow, the police spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, refrained from commenting on the findings of Amnesty Kenya or the KNCHR, leaving many to wonder about the accountability of law enforcement. Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported a crackdown on dissent, with at least 61 individuals apprehended during the protests.
From ground zero at Kenyatta National Hospital, an official revealed the dire situation, noting a surge of patients admitted with a chilling number of gunshot injuries. “We received 107 individuals, most bearing wounds from rubber bullets and live rounds,” he shared, with a somber tone that underscored the reality of despair gripping the capital. Fortunately, he reported that no fatalities had occurred within the hospital’s walls—a small mercy in a sea of tragedy.
The protests took a heartbreaking turn when news emerged that a security guard for Kenya Power lost his life while on duty at the company’s headquarters in Nairobi. It was a stark reminder that the violence extends beyond the protestors, touching lives across diverse sectors.
Earlier in the day, crowds were seen gathering near State House, the official residence of the president—a daring show of civil disobedience captured live by networks such as NTV. Yet, these channels faced repercussions for their coverage, as they were pulled from the air after resisting an order from the Communications Authority of Kenya to cease live broadcasts, highlighting the ongoing battle for freedom of the press in such turbulent times.
Reports of isolated clashes also emerged from Mombasa, alongside protests in Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri. While last year’s demonstrations ultimately abated following President William Ruto’s withdrawal of proposed tax hikes, deep-seated public outrage continues to simmer, fueled anew by the recent death of a beloved blogger, Albert Ojwang, in police custody. Ojwang’s untimely demise has ignited public outcry, with six individuals—including three officers—facing charges of murder. Each has pleaded not guilty, plunging the nation into yet another chapter of anguish and uncertainty.
“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans, and for those who died since June 25… we want justice,” expressed Lumumba Harmony, a protester in Nairobi whose fervor encapsulates the deep-seated frustrations shared by many Kenyans. The unprecedented and heart-wrenching scenes from June 25, 2024, when police fired upon protesters penetrating barriers to enter Parliament, triggered the most significant crisis of Ruto’s presidency and raised alarm bells across Kenya’s international partnerships.
As we process these events—where humanity highlights both strength and lamentation—one can’t help but ponder the role of the government. What are the measures being taken to ensure that such tragedies never occur again? Will there be accountability, or will these voices fade into the silence of history? As we navigate this storm of emotion and strife, it is clear that the quest for justice resonates universally, transcending borders and echoing in the hearts of those yearning for change.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
