16 Dead as Kenyan Protesters Fight Police

Several people were killed and over 400 others injured during anti-government protests in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday.

While the exact number of deaths remains unclear, media and rights groups reported between 8 and 16 people killed.

The protests were held to remember the deadly June 25, 2024, demonstrations against a controversial tax increase.

That day, police opened fire on protesters, killing around 60 people. Since then, many young people have regularly taken to the streets to protest police brutality, corruption, and the high cost of living.

On Wednesday, thousands marched in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, and other cities, calling for President William Ruto to resign. Many carried Kenyan flags and chanted slogans like “Ruto Must Go” and “Occupy Statehouse.”

Early in the day, the protest in Nairobi was peaceful but later turned violent. Men believed to be undercover security officers attacked demonstrators with clubs and whips. Police also fired live bullets, rubber bullets, tear gas, and used water cannons. Some protesters fought back, attacking suspected plain-clothed officers and burning barricades.

Shops and businesses in central Nairobi were looted and burned. In Kikuyu town, about 20 kilometers from the capital, protesters set fire to local government buildings, including a police station and a court. Meanwhile, marches in Mombasa and other areas stayed peaceful.

The Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group said at least 8 people had died and more than 400 were injured, including 3 police officers. Of the wounded, 83 had serious injuries, and at least 8 were treated for gunshot wounds. Amnesty Kenya reported a higher death toll of 16, confirmed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

One of the confirmed victims was Fred Wamale Wanyonyi, a mall security guard in Nairobi.

Protesters were not only marking the one-year anniversary of the 2024 killings but were also demanding better governance and justice for past victims. “It’s important for young people to mark June 25th because they lost people who looked and sounded like them,” said Angel Mbuthia, leader of the youth wing of the opposition Jubilee Party.

Osman Mohamed, one of the protesters, said, “The government is not listening to us. We are the people. They are supposed to listen to us.”

Tensions had already been high in Kenya following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody earlier in June. He had been arrested for allegedly insulting a top police officer. His death sparked anger and fresh protests, as reports suggested he had been tortured. Three officers have since been charged with his murder.

Despite protest organizers informing authorities in advance, police responded with force. Elijah Rottok of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said there was clear evidence of excessive police action. “We condemn the use of too much force. Authorities must follow the law and respect human rights,” he said.

During the protests, live TV coverage was blocked. However, the High Court later ordered the government to restore the broadcast signals of three independent stations.

While attending a burial in Kilifi, President Ruto asked for peaceful demonstrations. “We must keep Kenya safe. We don’t have another country to run to,” he said.

Protests originally broke out on June 18, 2024, after Ruto introduced a Finance Bill that raised taxes. The bill sparked anger as many believed it would worsen the country’s economic hardship. Although lawmakers removed some tax increases before passing it, the protests continued, with people calling for Ruto to step down.

On June 25, 2024, protesters stormed Kenya’s parliament and set part of the building on fire. Police responded with deadly force. Human Rights Watch later reported that some missing protesters were found dead, showing signs of torture.

Calm returned to Nairobi on Thursday morning, but the damage remained. Smoke still rose from several burned buildings, and business owners returned to looted shops.

Despite the violence, President Ruto signed the Finance Bill 2025 into law. While the tax increases were removed, one part of the law allows the government to access taxpayers’ private financial data, something critics say could threaten citizens’ privacy.

So far, it is unclear how the government will respond to the protesters’ demands.

Source: AL JAZEERA