16 killed, 400 injured… all to know about Kenya’s deadly anti-government protests

Kenya is currently gripped by a wave of anti-government protests that have claimed at least 16 lives and left over 400 people injured, according to Al Jazeera and rights groups like Amnesty International.

The protests, largely led by young people, particularly Gen Z activists, were reignited by widespread frustration over police brutality, economic hardship, corruption, and a lack of accountability from the administration of President William Ruto.

One of the primary triggers was the controversial death of a young blogger, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier in June 2025. Authorities claimed it was suicide, but human rights groups and the public allege it was a case of torture and extra-judicial killing. This tragedy became a rallying point for larger nationwide discontent.

Anniversary of 2024 Tax Protests Adds Fuel to the Fire

The protests reached a boiling point on June 25, 2025, exactly one year after the 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations, which saw protesters storm the Kenyan Parliament in opposition to proposed tax hikes. Last year’s protests left at least 19 people dead, and this year’s anniversary served as a symbolic moment for citizens to express that little has changed.

Demonstrators returned to the streets in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and other towns to denounce not just the past injustices but ongoing grievances—ranging from economic inequality to state repression. This renewed mobilization was backed by civil society organizations such as the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya Medical Association.

The Human Cost: 16 Dead, Hundreds Injured

The protests turned violent after security forces were deployed across major cities. According to Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 16 people were killed in the recent protests, with many suffering from gunshot wounds, while hundreds were injured through beatings, tear gas exposure, and stampedes.

Hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital, have been overwhelmed with victims, some of whom are in critical condition. Witnesses and human rights observers allege that live ammunition was used by police to disperse peaceful demonstrators, which has prompted outcry from both local and international observers.

“This is unacceptable. The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians must be investigated and prosecuted,” said Irũngũ Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty Kenya.

A Digital Generation’s Uprising: Role of Gen Z and Social Media

A significant aspect of these protests is the leaderless, tech-savvy nature of the movement. Young people across Kenya have taken to X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram to mobilize, share live updates, and document police abuses. Hashtags like #JusticeForOjwang and #EndPoliceBrutalityKe trended for days, signaling a shift in how protest movements operate in the country.

Analysts say that the decentralized, grassroots nature of this uprising—mostly organized through encrypted apps and social media channels—has made it harder for authorities to suppress the movement through conventional tactics.

Government and Police Response: Brutality and Blackouts

The Kenyan government has responded with force and censorship. Police deployed heavily armed units, barricaded major roads, and used water cannons and tear gas indiscriminately. Several videos circulated online showing officers firing into crowds and attacking medics trying to help injured protesters.

Further fuelling outrage, there were reports of a media blackout, where major TV stations were temporarily shut down or forced off-air during peak protest hours. Press freedom advocates have condemned the move, warning it echoes authoritarian tendencies.

The Interior Ministry defended the police response, claiming some protesters had turned violent. However, video evidence and eyewitness accounts paint a different picture—of a largely peaceful protest met with excessive force.

The International Reaction: Condemnation and Calls for Accountability

International human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, United Nations Human Rights Office, and various foreign embassies, have expressed deep concern over the violence. Many have called on the Ruto administration to respect the right to peaceful assembly, investigate the deaths, and hold law enforcement accountable.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in Kenya has also announced an inquiry into the killings and injuries, but past inaction on similar probes has made citizens skeptical of any meaningful outcome.

What the Protesters Want

Protesters are demanding:

• Immediate justice for victims of police killings.
• An end to state repression and media censorship.
• Economic reforms to reduce the cost of living and curb corruption.
• Implementation of police oversight reforms and stronger civilian protections.

For many, these demonstrations are not just about one event but a culmination of years of neglect, exploitation, and disenfranchisement—especially among the youth.

A Crossroads for Kenya

Kenya is at a critical juncture. The deaths of 16 protesters and the injuries of hundreds more have placed the government under intense scrutiny, both at home and abroad. With young people increasingly demanding accountability and reforms, the state’s violent crackdown may only deepen the public’s resolve.

Whether this moment will lead to meaningful change or become another chapter of suppressed dissent depends on how the Kenyan government responds in the coming days.