NAIROBI, Kenya – At least 16 people were killed during Wednesday’s nationwide protests in Kenya, most of them allegedly shot by police, according to human rights watchdogs.
The demonstrations marked one year since the deadly anti-tax protests of 2024, and reignited anger over state brutality and lack of accountability.
Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed the fatalities by 8:30 p.m., with Amnesty Executive Director Irungu Houghton saying, “Most were killed by police,” and at least five had died from gunshot wounds.
The KNCHR, a state-funded body, said in a separate statement that it had recorded over 400 casualties, including demonstrators, journalists, and police officers.
“All eight deaths reported earlier were allegedly from gunshot wounds,” it said, adding that there had been “allegations of excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition, and water cannons.”
A source at Kenyatta National Hospital told Y News the facility admitted 107 people, “most with gunshot injuries,” referring to both rubber bullets and live rounds. No deaths were reported at the hospital itself.
The protests, which took place in at least 23 counties, drew thousands of Kenyans to the streets in remembrance of the June 25, 2024, protests where more than 60 people were killed and protesters stormed Parliament in scenes that shocked the nation and the world.
This year’s commemorations were met with a heavy police presence and swift crackdowns.
In Nairobi, security forces deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds marching toward State House.
Live broadcasts by local stations NTV and KTN News were briefly shut down by the Communications Authority of Kenya after airing footage of the protests, before a Nairobi court suspended the ban and allowed the stations back on air.
Elsewhere, violent confrontations were reported in Mombasa, Kisii, Kitengela, Matuu, and Nyeri.
In Nyandarua County, 26 government vehicles were torched, highlighting the scale of public unrest.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the reported killings or injuries.
However, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that 61 protesters were arrested nationwide.
Among the dead was a Kenya Power security guard who was shot while patrolling the utility’s headquarters in Nairobi, the company confirmed.
The protests also drew attention to ongoing concerns over police killings and disappearances, including the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody. Six people, including three officers, have been charged with his murder.
In a joint statement issued at 7 p.m., the Law Society of Kenya, Kenya Medical Association, and Police Reforms Working Group–Kenya condemned the violence and urged restraint.
“Every Kenyan life is precious,” the statement read. “We pray for our nation, dialogue, and a way forward from the political impasse facing Kenya.”
