Deadly Protests Erupt in Kenya as Thousands Take to Streets to Mark Anniversary of Bloody Anti-Tax Demonstrations

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of protesters in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, as well as other major cities, took to the streets on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the bloody anti-tax protests that unfolded in June 2024, when at least 60 people were killed by police. The protests turned deadly, with several people killed and hundreds wounded, as demonstrators clashed with security forces. The current violence marks the latest outbreak of protests in the East African country, where young people have frequently taken to the streets in recent months to protest issues including police brutality, government corruption, and high taxes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protests in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and other major cities, turned deadly as thousands took to the streets to mark the anniversary of the bloody anti-tax protests in June 2024.
  • At least 400 people were wounded, including 83 with serious injuries, and figures vary on the number of dead, with reports ranging between eight and 16 killed.
  • The Kenyan government had been informed of the protests and had assurances that organizers would be allowed to protest peacefully, but the police response was deemed excessive, with the use of live fire, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannon.
  • Protesters were demanding the overthrow of President William Ruto's government, an end to police brutality, corruption, and economic hardship, and better governance.
  • Authorities shut down live coverage of the protests, but the Nairobi High Court later ordered the Communications Authority of Kenya to restore signals to three independent television stations.
  • Protester Osman Mohamed told Al Jazeera that he was there to demand better from the country's leaders, saying, "The government is taking us as a joke. They don't want to listen to us."
  • The protests come on the heels of outrage and protests across the country following the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.

Statistics:

  • At least 400 people were wounded, with 83 suffering serious injuries.
  • Reports range between eight and 16 people killed in the protests.
  • 400 people are being treated for injuries, including 83 with serious injuries.
  • Some 83 people sustained serious injuries, including at least eight protesters treated for gunshot wounds.
  • At least 10 buildings were torched in downtown Nairobi during the protests.
  • The value of the Kenyan shilling had dropped by 22% before the protests in June 2024.

Sources:

  • [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/25/thousands-rally-in-kenya-to-mark-anniversary-of-antitax-demonstrations]
  • [https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2024/7/24/kenya-is-not-asleep-anymore-why-young-protesters-are-not-backing-down]
  • [https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/6/18/kenyan-police-shoot-bystander-at-close-range-during-latest-protests]
  • [https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/6/26/kenya-shocked-as-protests-over-finance-bill-turn-deadly-in-nairobi]
  • [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/25/kenya-on-edge-will-anti-tax-protests-erupt-again-amid-national-strike]