At least 16 people were killed and over 400 injured during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, June 25, in what human rights groups are calling a tragic repeat of last year’s deadly protests over the Finance Bill.
The protests, held exactly one year after the deadly 2024 Occupy Parliament movement that left over 60 people dead, drew thousands of demonstrators across the country, especially in Nairobi, where police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons, according to eyewitnesses and local media reports.
“Sixteen people have been verified dead as of 8:30 pm,” said Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton, in an interview with Reuters. “Most were killed by police,” he added, noting that at least five of those killed had suffered gunshot wounds.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a state-funded body, also confirmed at least eight deaths from gunshot wounds and reported that more than 400 casualties had been documented. These include protesters, police officers, and journalists.
“There was heavy police deployment and allegations of excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition and water cannons,” KNCHR said in a statement posted on X.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) also weighed in, stating that at least 61 people had been arrested during the protests and investigations into possible police misconduct were underway
Despite growing public anger and international concern, Kenya Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the reports by Amnesty Kenya and KNCHR.
The violent crackdown has renewed calls for police reform and accountability, especially after the 2024 protests led to widespread condemnation both locally and internationally.
Wednesday’s demonstrations were not only aimed at denouncing government overreach and economic hardship, but also served as a memorial for those who perished last year during the storming of Parliament.
Protesters carried placards with the names and photos of 2024 victims, while others chanted slogans demanding justice, accountability, and an end to police brutality.
