At least eight people were killed and more than 400 injured in mass protests across Kenya on Wednesday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported. Demonstrators took to the streets to commemorate last year’s Gen Z-led unrest, which was met with a heavy security response.

The KNCHR said it monitored demonstrations in 23 counties, receiving reports of eight deaths from gunfire and over 400 casualties. Among the injured were protesters, police officers, and journalists treated for wounds ranging from rubber-bullet strikes to live ammunition injuries.

In Nairobi, police deployed water cannons, batons, and tear gas to disperse crowds, while barbed wire barricades were erected around the Government Offices complex. Multiple protest routes leading to Parliament were blocked, heightening tensions between youth activists and security forces.

Similar scenes unfolded in Mombasa and Eldoret, where local authorities confirmed clashes between police and groups of marchers denouncing government policies. Eyewitnesses said officers used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up protests in city centres.

The June 25 rallies mark the first anniversary of the 2024 demonstrations triggered by the controversial Finance Bill, which proposed tax hikes aimed at reducing public debt—then 68% of GDP. Last year’s protests left 39 dead and over 360 injured, according to the KNCHR’s 2024 report.

The most severe violence occurred on June 25, 2024, when protesters stormed and partially torched the Kenyan Parliament building. Security forces eventually quelled the siege, but not before dozens were killed and property was badly damaged.

In the aftermath, President William Ruto vowed not to sign the finance legislation; the bill was withdrawn. On July 11, he dissolved his Cabinet, retaining only Vice-President Rigathi Gachagua and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi amid calls for broader reforms.

A week later, on July 19, Ruto named 11 new Cabinet ministers tasked with addressing youth grievances, improving governance, and restoring public trust ahead of looming economic challenges.

Activists say the enduring flashpoints include high taxation, unemployment, and police brutality. The recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody—and the ensuing murder charges against six officers—has reignited demands for accountability.

Amnesty Kenya reported that 16 deaths had been “verified as of 8:30pm,” most resulting from police gunfire, and called for independent probes into allegations of excessive force. The rights group warned that continued impunity could spark renewed unrest.

Authorities also restricted media coverage, ordering television and radio stations to cease live broadcasts of the demonstrations. Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed Telegram had been throttled nationwide, curbing protesters’ ability to communicate in real time.

Western embassies and human rights organizations urged Kenyan leaders to protect peaceful assembly and adhere to rule of law. As the country reflects on a turbulent year, many fear that without genuine reforms, anniversary commemorations may become the prelude to fresh confrontations.

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