Nairobi | June 26, 2025 — At least 16 people were killed during widespread anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, the majority of them by police gunfire, according to Amnesty International Kenya. The protests, which marked the one-year anniversary of deadly demonstrations against a controversial tax bill, reignited public anger over police brutality and government accountability.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in major cities, including Nairobi, where police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and live rounds to disperse crowds. Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces, with scenes of unrest reminiscent of last year’s June 25 uprising that led to the storming of Parliament and left more than 60 people dead.
Speaking to Reuters, Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty Kenya, confirmed that 16 fatalities had been verified by 8:30 PM local time in coordination with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). “Most were killed by police,” he stated, noting that at least five victims died from gunshot wounds.
The KNCHR, a state-funded rights body, earlier reported eight deaths, all allegedly from gunshot injuries. In a statement, the commission noted over 400 casualties, including demonstrators, police personnel, and journalists. It cited the “excessive use of force” by authorities, including rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed the arrest of at least 61 individuals in connection with the protests. Meanwhile, Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi reported treating 107 people, the majority with gunshot injuries. No deaths were recorded at the facility, according to hospital sources.
One fatality involved a security guard employed by Kenya Power, the country’s main electricity provider, who was reportedly shot dead while patrolling the company’s Nairobi headquarters.
Media Blackout and Censorship
The protests also saw a temporary clampdown on independent media. Kenyan broadcasters NTV and KTN were pulled off air after they defied a government order to halt live coverage of the demonstrations. Both channels later resumed broadcasting after a Nairobi court temporarily suspended the directive issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya.
Protests were also reported in the port city of Mombasa, as well as the towns of Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri, with scattered clashes and heavy police presence.
Public Anger Reignites
Although President William Ruto withdrew the proposed tax measures following last year's protests, discontent has continued to simmer—especially over the security forces’ use of excessive force and unresolved cases of disappearances and custodial deaths.
The recent death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and schoolteacher, while in police custody has emerged as a fresh flashpoint. On Tuesday, six individuals, including three police officers, were charged with his murder. All have pleaded not guilty.
“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youth and for all the Kenyans who have died since June 25,” said Lumumba Harmony, a protester in Nairobi. “We want justice.”
Last year’s violent scenes, in which police opened fire on demonstrators who breached barriers to enter Parliament, were widely seen as the most serious challenge to Ruto’s presidency and triggered concern among Kenya’s international partners.
As of now, the Kenyan government has not issued an official response to the latest casualty figures or allegations of excessive force. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment.
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