NAIROBI, Kenya – Anti-riot police on Monday used tear gas to disperse a group of demonstrators marching to State House Nairobi, demanding justice for victims of the 2024–2025 anti-government protests.
The protesters, largely relatives and families of youths killed during nationwide unrest, had planned to meet President William Ruto to seek accountability and reparations.
A video trending online shows demonstrators retreating as clouds of tear gas filled the air.
The clashes followed the arrest of two activists, Julius Kamau and Collins Otieno, at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Heavily armed police officers apprehended the activists and transported them to Nairobi Central Police Station.
“Been arrested. We are at the central police station for joining mothers of victims of police killings, Collins Otieno and I,” Kamau posted on social media following the arrest.
The families had formally notified authorities of their intention to march, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
“On December 22, 2025, exactly 550 days since the killing of Rex Masai, families will march to State House seeking an audience with the President for justice, accountability, and reparations. This is not a protest but a peaceful plea in the Christmas spirit. Participants will carry only flowers and the national flag,” the notice read.
The protests come in the wake of violent demonstrations in June 2024 and June–July 2025. During the 2024 unrest, at least 50 people were killed and over 400 injured.
The following year’s demonstrations claimed at least 65 lives, with 342 civilians and 171 police officers wounded.
