- At least 16 people are dead and over 400 injured, says Amnesty Kenya and KNCHR
- Police fired live bullets, tear gas, and water cannons across major towns
- Kenyatta Hospital received 107 gunshot victims
- KTN and NTV briefly pulled off air, ban later overturned by court
- 26 county vehicles torched, chaos in Kitengela, Gikambura, Nyandarua
- One security guard was shot dead at the Kenya Power HQ
- Protests revive outrage over Albert Ojwang’s custodial death
- Civil society and foreign partners condemn excessive force
At least 16 people lost their lives on Wednesday, while hundreds were injured as protests erupted across Kenya to mark one year since the 2024 tax revolt that shook the nation. The numbers were confirmed by Amnesty Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, painting a grim picture of a day that was meant for remembrance.
What began as a symbolic march by thousands of Kenyans quickly escalated into violent confrontations in several towns — from Nairobi to Matuu, Kisii to Mombasa — as police responded with brute force.
According to Amnesty Kenya’s Executive Director Irungu Houghton, most of the 16 confirmed deaths were caused by live bullets. Earlier reports by KNCHR had already noted eight fatalities and over 400 injuries, affecting protesters, officers, and members of the press.
In Nairobi alone, Kenyatta National Hospital admitted 107 patients, mostly suffering from gunshot wounds. Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as injured demonstrators were rushed in on motorcycles and hand carts.
Among the day’s casualties was a Kenya Power security officer, who was fatally shot outside the company’s offices in Nairobi. Details of the shooting remain unclear, but the company has since confirmed the tragic incident.
Arson and Damage in Counties
In the outskirts of Nairobi, things spiralled further. In Kitengela, Nyandarua, and Gikambura, protesters turned on government property, setting fire to at least 26 county vehicles. Fires lit up county yards as residents vented long-simmering frustration with state institutions.
Midway through the protests, NTV and KTN went off-air, following a government directive to halt live coverage. The move drew instant backlash and was blocked by a Nairobi court hours later, with broadcasts resuming shortly after.
Calls for police reform grew louder as demonstrators invoked the name of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody earlier this month. His death, now ruled a homicide, has led to the arrest of three police officers and three accomplices.
This marks the most severe political crisis for President William Ruto since the deadly 2024 tax protests. Human rights groups and Kenya’s international allies have called for urgent investigations, accountability, and restraint from the police.
With pressure mounting and public fury spreading, Kenya’s leadership now faces a familiar but deepening storm.
