At least 16 people were killed and over 400 were injured during mass protests across Kenya on Wednesday, according to rights group Amnesty International.
The demonstrations, marking the one-year anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax protests, erupted in 23 of Kenya’s 47 counties, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kisii, Kitengela, Nyeri, and Machakos. Many protesters called for President William Ruto’s resignation and an end to police violence.
Amnesty International reported that 83 of the injured sustained serious wounds, with at least eight treated for gunshot injuries.
CNN reported that security forces fired live rounds during the demonstrations in Nairobi, where the unrest initially broke out. Tear gas and water cannons were also deployed to disperse crowds.
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📍Nairobi CBD | ⏰ 13:58 — Gunfire erupts again as police deploy water cannons to disperse crowds marking one year since protestors were killed outside Parliament during the 2024 #RejectFinanceBill demonstrations.
Video by: @ElijahKanyi pic.twitter.com/3FYlia0YGo— Africa Uncensored (@AfUncensored) June 25, 2025
In downtown Nairobi, shops were looted and set on fire.
Business owners in downtown Nairobi-OTC area, counting losses after criminals masquerading as protesters looted and torched business
Pictures by Benard Orwongo pic.twitter.com/XvurpgIyB7
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) June 26, 2025
In an effort to maintain public order and national security, the government temporarily banned live TV and radio coverage of the protests. However, this order was later overturned by the High Court.
The Law Society of Kenya condemned the actions of security forces, accusing them of “unnecessary aggression and brute force,” which led to a “senseless loss of life.”
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen rejected the allegations of excessive force, describing the unrest as “terrorism disguised as dissent.”
Murkomen reported over 300 injured officers, nine attacked police stations, five of which were torched, and extensive damage to government and civilian vehicles.
The aftermath at Makongeni police station in Thika sub-county, after it was invaded by goons during yesterday’s protests. Two police vehicles were torched and over 30 officers injured by stone-throwing attackers. Businesses in Makongeni and Thika town also suffered losses running… pic.twitter.com/CFxshrCGxy
— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) June 26, 2025
