What began as a day of remembrance spiraled into bloodshed across Kenya on Wednesday, as mass protests against the government left at least 16 people dead and hundreds more injured. The unrest broke out during demonstrations commemorating last year’s fatal protests against new tax measures.
According to Amnesty Kenya, the number of casualties continues to rise, with over 400 people reported injured in the confrontations between protesters and security forces. The rights group also accused police of using live ammunition in several cities, including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
Streets were flooded with angry demonstrators demanding an end to what they call systemic corruption, economic mismanagement, and disregard for public outcry. The protests were initially organized to mark one year since the 2024 demonstrations, where dozens were killed over controversial tax hikes introduced by the administration of President William Ruto.
Wednesday’s turnout, fueled by frustration and growing hardship, quickly escalated. In Nairobi’s Central Business District, tear gas filled the air while gunshots rang out as police attempted to break up crowds. Witnesses described scenes of panic as injured demonstrators were dragged to safety by fellow protesters. Hospitals reported an influx of patients, many with gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma.
“This government has refused to listen to the people. They call us criminals, but we are citizens demanding justice,” said James Mwangi, a protester who narrowly escaped injury.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki struck a defiant tone in response to the protests, labeling the demonstrations an attempted coup. “What we saw today is not about grievances. This was an orchestrated effort to overthrow the government,” Kindiki told reporters during a press conference Wednesday evening. He offered no evidence to support his claim but vowed to respond with firmness.
The statement drew sharp criticism from civil society leaders, who warned against using such language to justify an ongoing crackdown. “To label protesters as coup plotters is reckless and dangerous,” said Beatrice Kamau of the Kenya Human Rights Commission. “The government must be held accountable for the excessive use of force against its own citizens.”
Videos circulating on social media showed plainclothes officers violently arresting demonstrators, some of whom appeared to be unarmed and fleeing. Human rights groups have called for an immediate independent investigation into the killings and injuries.
Calls for restraint came from both domestic and international quarters, including the United Nations and the African Union, which urged Kenyan authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.
As of Thursday morning, parts of Nairobi remained under heavy police presence. Schools and businesses in affected areas stayed shut. Opposition leaders announced a national day of mourning and demanded the resignation of senior security officials.
The government has not released an official death toll, but sources within the Ministry of Health said the number of fatalities could rise, given the severity of injuries reported.
Kenya, a nation once seen as a regional beacon of stability, now finds itself teetering under the weight of economic strain and political mistrust. With the memory of last year’s violence still fresh, Wednesday’s events have only deepened fears of a prolonged period of unrest.
