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At least 16 people have died and hundreds were injured in anti-government protests that swept across Kenya—marking the one-year anniversary of violent demonstrations sparked by a controversial finance bill r
Organized largely by Generation Z activists via social media, the marches protested police brutality, government corruption, and the high cost of living . Authorities employed tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to control crowds in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and other urban centers
Amnesty Kenya’s executive director, Irungu Houghton, confirmed 16 verified deaths, adding that “most were killed by police,” with at least five shot dead . The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 400 injuries, including bullet wounds
Key Flashpoints:
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Custodial death of blogger-teacher Albert Ojwang on June 8 reignited public fury. He was arrested after criticizing the Deputy Inspector General of Police Demonstrators, carrying national flags and symbols of last year’s victims, attempted to breach barricades outside parliament and State House
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The Communications Authority imposed a live media ban, disrupting TV and radio broadcasts. Social platforms like Telegram were also throttled
Government Response:
President William Ruto urged calm, warning protesters against destruction during a funeral outside Nairobi . The Interior Ministry announced a 24-hour suspension of live feeds, citing public safety. Rights groups like Katiba Institute, Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International condemned media censorship and excessive use of force
Why It Matters:
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The unrest reflects unresolved issues from last year’s finance bill protests, where over 60 people were killed, and many remain missing Youth are increasingly mobilizing online, pressuring the government to deliver justice, accountability, and reforms.
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International pressure is growing; U.S., U.K., and Canadian embassies have called for restraint and respect for peaceful protest .
