At Least 16 Killed, Hundreds Injured as Kenya’s Anti-Government Protests Turn Violent
At least 16 people have been confirmed dead following a wave of violent anti-government protests that erupted across Kenya on Wednesday, according to Amnesty International.
The unrest, marked by looting, fires, and police clashes, left parts of central Nairobi in ruins and deepened public frustration with President William Ruto’s government.
The demonstrations—called to mark one year since the deadly anti-tax protests of 2024—began peacefully but spiraled into chaos by the afternoon. Protesters, many of them young men, clashed with security forces, lit fires, and ripped up pavements to hurl at police. Eyewitnesses reported a breakdown of order as shops were looted and businesses torched across the capital.
Downtown Nairobi, once bustling with commercial activity, resembled a war zone on Thursday morning. Burned storefronts, shattered glass, and ransacked buildings told the story of a night of destruction. Entire blocks of small and medium-sized businesses from electronics retailers to clothing shops were gutted or reduced to ash.
“They started looting after the government cut the live broadcasts,” one business owner told AFP, referring to a controversial directive that halted media coverage of the protests.
Amnesty International Kenya Director Irungu Houghton confirmed the death toll had reached 16, while a coalition of rights groups said over 400 people were injured, including 83 in critical condition.
Emergency medical responders reported numerous gunshot wounds, and there were widespread but unconfirmed reports that police had opened fire on demonstrators, particularly in towns outside Nairobi.
The protests were recorded in 23 counties, signalling the breadth of national discontent. In several towns, residents said the demonstrations quickly escalated after security forces deployed tear gas and rubber bullets.
Anger Boils Over at Ruto’s Leadership
President William Ruto, elected in 2022 on promises of economic revival and inclusivity, now faces a growing legitimacy crisis. Many Kenyans say they feel betrayed by rising taxes, deepening inequality, corruption scandals, and worsening police brutality.
The latest spark was the death of a schoolteacher in police custody earlier this month, which ignited fresh outrage and added fuel to long-standing grievances.
“There’s a deepening sense of betrayal,” said political analyst Lydia Atieno. “People feel they voted for change but got more of the same.”
While the government has not yet released an official death toll or addressed the allegations of police violence directly, its decision to restrict media coverage has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and international observers.
As Kenya begins to assess the damage, calls are mounting for an independent inquiry into the killings and alleged use of excessive force by police.
Rights groups have demanded accountability, while opposition leaders have warned that public trust is eroding rapidly. Some are calling for President Ruto to address the nation and offer a roadmap to dialogue and reform.
