At least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured in Kenya on Wednesday during nationwide anti-government protests, according to rights group Amnesty Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Thousands took to the streets to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, which saw over 60 people killed and the storming of parliament.
This year’s protests quickly turned violent, with police using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse crowds in cities including Nairobi, Kisii, Matuu, and Mombasa.
According to Amnesty Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton, 16 deaths were verified by 8:30pm, with most caused by police gunfire. KNCHR, a state-funded watchdog, earlier reported eight deaths and over 400 casualties, including demonstrators, police officers, and journalists.
Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi’s largest referral facility, said 107 patients had been admitted, most suffering from gunshot wounds.
One fatality was reported at Kenya Power, where a security guard was shot dead while patrolling the firm’s Nairobi headquarters.
In Gikambura, Kitengela, and Nyandarua, incidents of violence and arson were reported, including the burning of 26 county government vehicles.
Tensions escalated after broadcasters NTV and KTN were briefly pulled off air for defying a government directive to stop live coverage. A Nairobi court later suspended the ban, allowing them to resume broadcasts.
The protests also revived anger over police brutality and unresolved killings, particularly the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Six individuals, including three officers, have since been charged with his murder.
Wednesday’s events mark the most severe challenge to President William Ruto’s administration since last year’s deadly demonstrations, drawing fresh condemnation from civil society and Kenya’s international partners.
