NAIROBI, Kenya – Human rights organizations have condemned what they describe as excessive and lethal force used by police against protesters during nationwide demonstrations held Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests of June 2024.
In a joint statement released Wednesday evening, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Police Reforms Working Group–Kenya, and the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) confirmed that more than 15 protesters were killed, while at least 400 others were injured, including 83 who required specialized treatment for serious injuries.
Among the injured are three police officers, and at least eight civilians suffered gunshot wounds, according to medics and rights monitors working across the country. The groups warned that the final toll could rise as more information emerges.
“These figures are deeply troubling. Every Kenyan life is precious. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased and call for restraint from all sides,” the statement read in part.
STATEMENT: The toll from today’s #June25th protests is devastating. At least 8 protestors killed, over 400 injured, and 83 referred for specialized care. 8 people have been treated for gunshot wounds. Among the injured are three police officers. #ProtectTheProtest
Protesters took to the streets in at least 23 counties, with large turnouts reported in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kakamega.
The demonstrations, which remained largely peaceful in several towns, turned violent in others, as police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and, in some instances, live ammunition to disperse crowds.
The rights coalition, which includes groups such as Amnesty International Kenya, IMLU, Katiba Institute, KHRC, FIDA-Kenya, and Transparency International Kenya, reiterated their demand for police accountability and an urgent national dialogue to address the country’s political crisis.
“As we commemorate one year since the tragic events of June 2024, the scenes we have witnessed today mirror the same brutality we thought we had left behind,” said the statement, jointly signed by the 21-member alliance.
The organizations emphasized the need for restraint by law enforcement agencies and urged protesters to remain peaceful to avoid further bloodshed.
They also called for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch urgent investigations into the killings and injuries reported.
“We pray for our nation, dialogue, and a way forward from the political impasse facing Kenya,” the groups said.
The protests came amid growing public frustration over the government’s economic policies and tax proposals, which many say have worsened the cost of living.
Calls for police reform and justice for victims of past crackdowns were central to Wednesday’s rallies.
The names and identities of those killed have not been released by authorities as of Wednesday night.
