NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyans living abroad have issued a blistering condemnation of the government’s violent crackdown on protesters and media censorship, warning that the country is veering dangerously toward authoritarianism.
In a statement released Wednesday from Washington, D.C., members of the Kenyan diaspora accused President William Ruto’s administration of using live bullets, riot police, and unlawful orders to suppress peaceful demonstrations held to mark the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z uprising.
“When a government fires on its own people and shuts down the media, it ceases to be leadership— it becomes tyranny,” the statement read.
The diaspora’s concerns echo a growing international outcry over the government’s handling of the protests, which left at least 16 people dead and over 400 injured, according to Amnesty Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The statement demanded immediate action on three fronts:
- A public assurance from President Ruto that no Kenyan will be killed, abducted, or tortured for exercising their constitutional rights.
- The reversal of the broadcast blackout imposed by the Communications Authority of Kenya on Citizen TV, NTV, and KTN, which were briefly taken off-air Tuesday during live protest coverage.
- The withdrawal of armed forces deployed to “intimidate, harm or suppress peaceful protest.”
“Protesters came unarmed, in peace, bearing wreaths, not weapons. In response, the government unleashed teargas, riot police, and brute force,” the statement added.
Demonstrations erupted across 23 counties, including major cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyahururu, as citizens gathered to remember those killed, injured, or abducted during last year’s protests.
In Nairobi, streets near Parliament and State House were barricaded with razor wire, and police deployed heavily to prevent marchers from reaching government buildings.
According to KNCHR, the latest protests resulted in more than 60 arrests, over 400 injuries, and eight confirmed deaths as of Wednesday evening.
Hospitals across the country reported treating dozens of victims with gunshot wounds and blunt force injuries.
The diaspora group also criticized what it called an “alarming assault on constitutional freedoms,” particularly freedom of assembly and the press.
The temporary suspension of live TV broadcasts drew heavy criticism from rights organizations and was later halted by a court order.
“This blatant violation of constitutional press freedoms demands the harshest public and legal condemnation,” the statement read.
The group warned that any further repression by the state would be met with legal, constitutional, and global consequences.
“Kenya belongs to its people, not to any regime,” the diaspora said. “And the people—both at home and abroad—will not be silenced.”
The statement comes amid escalating criticism from international organizations and political figures, including South Africa’s EFF party, which on Thursday accused the Ruto administration of “ruling by fear” and “unleashing state-sponsored violence” on peaceful youth-led movements.
