At least 16 people dead as anti-government protests grip Kenya
At least 16 people died Wednesday in a fresh wave of anti-government protests that have swept across Kenya in the wake of the unexplained death of a popular blogger in police custody, the head of Amnesty Kenya said. The demonstrations also coincide with the one-year anniversary of last year's mass protests against President William Ruto's proposed tax hikes.
Issued on: 25/06/2025
By: FRANCE 24
'Too many Kenyans are losing their lives'
Calls for accountability have grown louder in Kenya after a street hawker was killed during last week's protests. A Kenyan court has given detectives 15 days to complete investigations into two police officers suspected of the shooting.
This came as young people flooded social media platforms throughout the week with commemorations of protesters killed last year. At the time, Ruto apologised and vowed to end police brutality as the top police chief resigned.
“Not a single officer has been held to account,” said Hussein Khaled, a human rights activist, adding that people took to the streets “to demand justice in terms of compensation ... arrest of those officers who were involved ... police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives” to police brutality.
Last year’s deadly protests strongly opposed a finance bill that raised taxes significantly to address debt, putting an undue burden on young, educated people struggling with unemployment and a rising cost of living. Ruto later scrapped the bill.
Some tax proposals were reintroduced later, drawing widespread criticism and calls for Ruto's resignation, following the appointment of a new but widely criticised cabinet. A revamped healthcare levy also changed standard premiums to a progressive tax, based on income.
Kenyan court declares Nairobi protest ban illegal
United Nations' data shows that 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30, with 67 percent of Kenya's young people unemployed.
“Both the health and the education sectors, which greatly affect the youth, are seemingly sinking due to misguided policies and failure to provide needed resources. At the same time, there appears to be unlimited funds for ‘aristocratic’ luxuries,” said Macharia Munene, professor of history and international relations at United States International University Africa in Nairobi, referring to some state people’s spending that has been strongly condemned.
Ruto has been accused of misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, most notably the use of a private jet on his trip to the United States right before last year’s protests. He apologised and dismissed ministers accused of incompetence, corruption and displays of opulence amid complaints about the high cost of living.
Meanwhile, Kenya's opposition received its share of criticism, with many saying it avoided challenging the status quo after some of its members were appointed in Ruto's new cabinet
“Enough is enough ... We are here for change, it is time for us to get our nation (back),” said protestor Sevelina Mwihaki. “The blood that we have shed is enough."
(FRANCE 24 with AP and Reuters)
At least 16 people died Wednesday in a fresh wave of anti-government protests that have swept across Kenya in the wake of the unexplained death of a popular blogger in police custody, the head of Amnesty Kenya said. The demonstrations also coincide with the one-year anniversary of last year's mass protests against President William Ruto's proposed tax hikes.
Issued on: 25/06/2025
By: FRANCE 24
Protesters scatter as police fire teargas at them during a demonstration on the one-year anniversary of deadly anti-tax demonstrations in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. © Brian Inganga, AP
Sixteen people died during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, most of them killed by police, the head of Amnesty Kenya said, a year after deadly demonstrations against a tax bill culminated in the storming of parliament.
Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya again, with thousands making their way to the central business district in the capital, Nairobi.
Some protesters clashed with police, and 16 people were "verified dead as of 8:30", Amnesty Kenya's executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters, adding that the figures were verified by the global rights watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
"Most were killed by police," Houghton said, adding that at least five of the victims had been shot dead.
The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week's rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody.
Read more Kenya's deputy police chief steps aside as blogger's death investigated
Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the statements by Amnesty Kenya or KNCHR.
State-funded body Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said in a statement at least 61 people were arrested during the protests.
An official at the capital's main Kenyatta National Hospital said the facility had received dozens of wounded people.
"107 admitted, most with gunshot injuries," the source said, referring to rubber bullets and live rounds. He added that no deaths had been reported at KNH.
The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed local media to stop all live broadcasts of the protests halfway through the day as President William Ruto warned that violence wouldn’t be tolerated.
Many turned to social media to share updates and remember slain protesters. Others posted anti-government messages and memes. On the streets, some could be seen offering protesters water.
Sixteen people died during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, most of them killed by police, the head of Amnesty Kenya said, a year after deadly demonstrations against a tax bill culminated in the storming of parliament.
Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya again, with thousands making their way to the central business district in the capital, Nairobi.
Some protesters clashed with police, and 16 people were "verified dead as of 8:30", Amnesty Kenya's executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters, adding that the figures were verified by the global rights watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
"Most were killed by police," Houghton said, adding that at least five of the victims had been shot dead.
The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week's rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody.
Read more Kenya's deputy police chief steps aside as blogger's death investigated
Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the statements by Amnesty Kenya or KNCHR.
State-funded body Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said in a statement at least 61 people were arrested during the protests.
An official at the capital's main Kenyatta National Hospital said the facility had received dozens of wounded people.
"107 admitted, most with gunshot injuries," the source said, referring to rubber bullets and live rounds. He added that no deaths had been reported at KNH.
The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed local media to stop all live broadcasts of the protests halfway through the day as President William Ruto warned that violence wouldn’t be tolerated.
Many turned to social media to share updates and remember slain protesters. Others posted anti-government messages and memes. On the streets, some could be seen offering protesters water.
'Too many Kenyans are losing their lives'
Calls for accountability have grown louder in Kenya after a street hawker was killed during last week's protests. A Kenyan court has given detectives 15 days to complete investigations into two police officers suspected of the shooting.
This came as young people flooded social media platforms throughout the week with commemorations of protesters killed last year. At the time, Ruto apologised and vowed to end police brutality as the top police chief resigned.
“Not a single officer has been held to account,” said Hussein Khaled, a human rights activist, adding that people took to the streets “to demand justice in terms of compensation ... arrest of those officers who were involved ... police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives” to police brutality.
Last year’s deadly protests strongly opposed a finance bill that raised taxes significantly to address debt, putting an undue burden on young, educated people struggling with unemployment and a rising cost of living. Ruto later scrapped the bill.
Some tax proposals were reintroduced later, drawing widespread criticism and calls for Ruto's resignation, following the appointment of a new but widely criticised cabinet. A revamped healthcare levy also changed standard premiums to a progressive tax, based on income.
Kenyan court declares Nairobi protest ban illegal
14:25
EYE ON AFRICA © FRANCE 24
United Nations' data shows that 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30, with 67 percent of Kenya's young people unemployed.
“Both the health and the education sectors, which greatly affect the youth, are seemingly sinking due to misguided policies and failure to provide needed resources. At the same time, there appears to be unlimited funds for ‘aristocratic’ luxuries,” said Macharia Munene, professor of history and international relations at United States International University Africa in Nairobi, referring to some state people’s spending that has been strongly condemned.
Ruto has been accused of misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, most notably the use of a private jet on his trip to the United States right before last year’s protests. He apologised and dismissed ministers accused of incompetence, corruption and displays of opulence amid complaints about the high cost of living.
Meanwhile, Kenya's opposition received its share of criticism, with many saying it avoided challenging the status quo after some of its members were appointed in Ruto's new cabinet
“Enough is enough ... We are here for change, it is time for us to get our nation (back),” said protestor Sevelina Mwihaki. “The blood that we have shed is enough."
(FRANCE 24 with AP and Reuters)
Thousands of Kenyans stage street protests one year after storming parliament
Thousands of protesters have taken to Kenya's streets to mark a year since people stormed parliament at the peak of anti-government demonstrations, despite fears that they would be met by state-backed gangs and police violence. Sixty people were killed during last year's protests and 20 others remain missing.
Issued on: 25/06/2025 - RFI
A protestor in a protective mask participates in a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that left more than 60 people dead and drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi June 25, 2025. REUTERS - Monicah Mwangi
Activists and families of victims have called for peaceful demonstrations to mark a year since the deadliest day of the unrest when parliament was invaded.
But some have called to "OccupyStateHouse" – referring to the Nairobi office of President William Ruto – and many schools and businesses are closed for fear of unrest.
Early on Wednesday, police blocked major roads leading into the capitals central business district, while government buildings were barricaded with razor wire.
At least 10 people have been admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi with gunshot wounds, a hospital source and Kenya's Citizen Television said.
Thousands of mainly young male protesters waved Kenyan flags and placards with pictures of some of the 60 demonstrators killed last year and chanted "Ruto must go".
"I've come here as a Kenyan youth to protest, it is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here... they are supposed to protect us but they kill us," Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman told France's AFP news agency.
"It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them... who are fighting for good governance," said Angel Mbuthia, chair of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party.
'Goons'
As well as marking the anniversary, anger has flared over police brutality, particularly after a teacher was killed in custody earlier this month following his arrest for criticising a senior officer.
Police said protests are permitted as long as they are "peaceful and unarmed".
Police officers walk during a demonstration to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that left more than 60 people dead and drew widespread condemnation over the use of force by security agencies, in Nairobi, Kenya June 25, 2025. REUTERS - Thomas Mukoya
But a group of peaceful protesters last week was attacked by a large gang of motorbike-riding "goons", as they are known in Kenya, armed with whips and clubs and working in tandem with the police.
Western embassies in Kenya, including those of Britain, Germany and the United States, criticised in a joint statement "the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings".
But a group of peaceful protesters last week was attacked by a large gang of motorbike-riding "goons", as they are known in Kenya, armed with whips and clubs and working in tandem with the police.
Western embassies in Kenya, including those of Britain, Germany and the United States, criticised in a joint statement "the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings".
Threatening the nation
There is deep resentment against Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising rapid economic progress.
Many have been disillusioned by continued stagnation, corruption and high taxes, even after last year's protests forced Ruto to cancel the unpopular finance bill.
While his government has been at pains to avoid direct tax rises this year, the frequent disappearances of government critics – rights groups have counted more than 80 since last year's protests, with dozens still missing – have led many to accuse Ruto of returning Kenya to the dark days of its dictatorship in the 1980s and 1990s.
Ruto has previously promised an end to abductions but was unapologetic in a speech on Tuesday, vowing to "stand by" the police. "You cannot use force against the police or insult or threaten the police. You are threatening our nation," he warned protesters.
(with newswires)
Can Kenyan youth protests spark real police reform one year on?
One year after major protests against corruption, Kenyans are holding remembrance marches for victims of police violence. Renewed demonstrations follow the death of a teacher in custody. RFI spoke to a policy analyst on whether youth protests can drive real reform.
Young activists react as a protester interrupts a sermon during an interdenominational service held to honour victims of Kenya's historic June 2024 protests as activists called for a symbolic presence in churches nationwide ahead of the first anniversary of the Gen Z-led uprising at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, on 22 June 2025. AFP - LUIS TATO
By: Melissa Chemam
Issued on: 25/06/2025
RFI
In 2024, widespread protests erupted across Kenya in response to a proposed bill that sought a significant increase in taxes, culminating on 25 June. These demonstrations were met with a forceful and violent response from the police.
At least 60 people were killed during protests in June and July 2024, and dozens more were illegally detained by security forces in the aftermath.
This year, the country's youth are back on the streets protesting against that violence.
Although the government had called for calm since last summer, the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody - arrested for publishing a blog post criticising a police officer - sparked a new wave of protests in early June this year.
In 2024, widespread protests erupted across Kenya in response to a proposed bill that sought a significant increase in taxes, culminating on 25 June. These demonstrations were met with a forceful and violent response from the police.
At least 60 people were killed during protests in June and July 2024, and dozens more were illegally detained by security forces in the aftermath.
This year, the country's youth are back on the streets protesting against that violence.
Although the government had called for calm since last summer, the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody - arrested for publishing a blog post criticising a police officer - sparked a new wave of protests in early June this year.
Civil society activists hold placards as they demonstrate against the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in the city of Mombasa, Kenya, on 17 June 2025. REUTERS - Laban Walloga
Douglas Kivoi, a policy analyst at the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), told RFI that he was not surprised by the events, as they reflect the typical conduct of police officers in the country.
Kivoi has been studying the role and behaviour of the police in Kenya for many years.
"They are used in settling political scores and silencing any dissent that the powers are not comfortable with. So that is just one of the few that made it to the public domain. Many of those cases hardly make it to the media. If the family keeps quiet or is threatened with dire consequences," he told RFI.
"We have a progressive constitution but our police officers have refused to change and transform themselves and align themselves with best international practices," Kivoi added.
Douglas Kivoi, a policy analyst at the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), told RFI that he was not surprised by the events, as they reflect the typical conduct of police officers in the country.
Kivoi has been studying the role and behaviour of the police in Kenya for many years.
"They are used in settling political scores and silencing any dissent that the powers are not comfortable with. So that is just one of the few that made it to the public domain. Many of those cases hardly make it to the media. If the family keeps quiet or is threatened with dire consequences," he told RFI.
"We have a progressive constitution but our police officers have refused to change and transform themselves and align themselves with best international practices," Kivoi added.
Pro-government counter-protesters and riot police officers disperse people protesting over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, on 17 June 2025. REUTERS - Thomas Mukoya
Protesters and counter-protesters
Counter-protesters are also marching and supporting the police, raising fears of new violence, especially in Nairobi.
Addressing the crisis last Tuesday, Kenya's President William Ruto promised to put an end to abductions, but was unapologetic in his latest speech, vowing to "stand by" the police.
"You cannot use force against the police or insult or threaten the police. You are threatening our nation," he warned protesters.
Kivoi, however, points out that shooting someone at point-blank range, as has happened in a recent incident, cannot be justified in any circumstances.
"Someone who is just selling masks in the streets and then is shot at point blank range - I mean, how on earth would anybody do that knowing that the institution that they work for is under scrutiny for another murder of an individual who was arrested for a misdemeanour offense and then tortured to death in the police detention facilities?," he asks
He believes this demonstrates that impunity within the police service and related policing agencies runs deeper than is apparent to the public.
Problems in police agencies
Kivoi believes that violence within Kenya’s police force has been an issue since before the country’s independence.
He points out that even the most well-considered recommendations from police reviews and his own research have yet to be implemented.
"We take one step forward and then we take five steps backwards," Kivoi told RFI.
"Since independence in 1963, the first president, Jomo Kenyatta, used police to silence any dissent. And when the second president (Daniel arap Moi) took over, it was the same story," he said. "Assassinations, torture, detention."
Later, when Mwai Kibaki assumed the presidency in 2002, he attempted to reform the police. However, the post-election violence of 2007-2008 marked a turning point, with numerous accusations directed at police officers for their actions. Many victims lost their lives either due to police gunfire or the failure of the police to act.
In 2010, Kenya drew-up and implemented a new constitution, which is progressive according to many including Kivoi.
The country also put in place institutions like the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, in an attempt to delink police from the office of the president.
"I believe the problem lies in our policing agencies. It's not the resources," he said. "So, if you carry out reforms in the name of changing institutions' names and changing uniforms from the Kenya Police Force to National Police Service, that doesn't change the attitude of these officers as they approach their work and in the way they interact with communities."
To solve this problem he argues that the training of police officer must change.
"We need to change the way our officers are trained, then to depoliticise the policing, because police officers, since independence, have been used by the government of the day to settle political scores, arrest people without any justifiable reason, like Ojwang, who was tortured and killed in a police facility."
System change
Kenya's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said on Monday said it would press murder charges against six people, including three police officers, for their role in killing Ojwang. The six suspects were arraigned on Tuesday.
Kivoi thinks that it is still difficult to highlight issues of police excesses and punitive actions because the media in Kenya "sometimes goes to bed with the government", and doesn't denounce police brutality.
"But the fact that we have got social media, and then we have got a young population that has embraced technology, makes it more difficult for police to think that they will behave the way they have been behaving and get away with it."
The protests, and the technology helping reporting them, are playing a critical role in highlighting cases of police excesses when they are interacting with the civilians.
Kenya rights groups have counted more than 80 disappearances of government critics since last year's protests, with dozens still missing.
PODCAST
Play - 34:10
Justice and art: Kenya’s fight against police brutality; Africa’s bold new art fair in Basel
Issued on: 24/06/2025 -
In this episode, Spotlight on Africa reviews the origins of protests in Kenya against police brutality. And you'll also hear from the co-founders of the Africa Basel contemporary art fair, in Switzerland, the newest event of its kind.
Kenyan police officers guard the entrance to Central Police Station following a protest over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under disputed circumstances, in Nairobi, on 9 June 2025. AFP - LUIS TATO
This week, we go to East Africa where Kenyans are protesting to denounce police brutality, exactly a year after a wave of protests organised against an unjust tax, that led to police violence.
This week, we go to East Africa where Kenyans are protesting to denounce police brutality, exactly a year after a wave of protests organised against an unjust tax, that led to police violence.
Protesters hold banners and chant slogans demanding the resignation of Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, during a demonstration over the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, on 12 June 2025. © Luis Tato / AFP
This year's protests were triggered by the killing by the police of a teacher and blogger in his cell. Albert Ojwang, 31, had been arrested for criticising a policeman online.
On Monday (23 June), Kenyan prosecutors said they were charging six people, including three police officers, with murder over his death.
To better understand the issues surrounding this incident, Spotlight on Africa podcast spoke to Douglas Lucas Kivoi, Principal Policy Analyst, Governance Department, Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA).
Africa Basel
This year's protests were triggered by the killing by the police of a teacher and blogger in his cell. Albert Ojwang, 31, had been arrested for criticising a policeman online.
On Monday (23 June), Kenyan prosecutors said they were charging six people, including three police officers, with murder over his death.
To better understand the issues surrounding this incident, Spotlight on Africa podcast spoke to Douglas Lucas Kivoi, Principal Policy Analyst, Governance Department, Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA).
Africa Basel
Africa Basel launched this year in June 2025. © Africa Basel
We also head to Switzerland for a new artistic event known as Africa Basel.
This first edition of a contemporary African art fair was created to coincide with the largest fair in the world, Art Basel, in Switzerland. It was held from 17 to 22 June, with over 30 galleries and dozens of artists.
We also head to Switzerland for a new artistic event known as Africa Basel.
This first edition of a contemporary African art fair was created to coincide with the largest fair in the world, Art Basel, in Switzerland. It was held from 17 to 22 June, with over 30 galleries and dozens of artists.
Togolese and Nigeria artists Clément Gbegno and Helen Nzete with the two co-founders of Africa Basel, Ben Füglister and Sarah Hachi-Duchêne, in Basel, Switzerland mid-June 2025. © Africa Basel
Spotlight on Africa spoke with the two co-founders of the event, as they opened the first days of the event in Basel: Benjamin Füglister, artist and cultural entrepreneur born in Switzerland, and now the director of the Africa Basel and Sarah Hachi-Duchêne, curator at unx.art.
Episode mixed by Melissa Chemam and Cecile Pompeani.
Spotlight on Africa is produced by Radio France Internationale's English language service.
Spotlight on Africa spoke with the two co-founders of the event, as they opened the first days of the event in Basel: Benjamin Füglister, artist and cultural entrepreneur born in Switzerland, and now the director of the Africa Basel and Sarah Hachi-Duchêne, curator at unx.art.
Episode mixed by Melissa Chemam and Cecile Pompeani.
Spotlight on Africa is produced by Radio France Internationale's English language service.
By: Melissa Chemam
Kenya police officers charged with murder over death in custody
Kenyan prosecutors said Monday they were charging six people, including three police officers, with murder over the death of a teacher while in custody that has triggered protests. Albert Ojwang, 31, was found dead in a police cell in Nairobi earlier this month.
Issued on: 23/06/2025 - RFI
Demonstrators react to the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody, in Nairobi, Monday, 9 June, 2025. AP - Andrew Kasuk
Police initially claimed he had taken his own life until government pathologists found he had been killed.
The case sparked rallies against police brutality – a long-running complaint in the east African country – which were met with tear gas and a mob of violent paid "goons" last week.
There was also outrage after an incident, witnessed by reporters from French news agency AFP and widely shared on social media, in which a police officer shot a bystander to the protests at point-blank range. He remains in critical condition in hospital.
Ojwang was initially arrested over allegedly criticising deputy police chief Eliud Lagat in online posts.
Lagat has "stepped aside" during the investigation into Ojwang's death, but protesters have called for his full resignation and charges against him.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said on social media platform X that it had "approved murder charges against six individuals", including three officers and three other suspects, who were presented at Nairobi's Kibera High Court on Monday.
Anniversary of protests
Earlier this month, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority said 18 people had died in police custody in the past four months.
Ojwang's death comes at a sensitive time as Kenya marks the anniversary on Wednesday of massive Gen Z-led demonstrations against President William Ruto's government last year
On Monday, a government spokesperson said there would be "no protests" on 25 June, instead asking people to commemorate at home.
But last week, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda told reporters his officers were prepared for protests, urging people to restrict themselves to "peaceful demonstrations".
(with AFP)
Police initially claimed he had taken his own life until government pathologists found he had been killed.
The case sparked rallies against police brutality – a long-running complaint in the east African country – which were met with tear gas and a mob of violent paid "goons" last week.
There was also outrage after an incident, witnessed by reporters from French news agency AFP and widely shared on social media, in which a police officer shot a bystander to the protests at point-blank range. He remains in critical condition in hospital.
Ojwang was initially arrested over allegedly criticising deputy police chief Eliud Lagat in online posts.
Lagat has "stepped aside" during the investigation into Ojwang's death, but protesters have called for his full resignation and charges against him.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said on social media platform X that it had "approved murder charges against six individuals", including three officers and three other suspects, who were presented at Nairobi's Kibera High Court on Monday.
Anniversary of protests
Earlier this month, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority said 18 people had died in police custody in the past four months.
Ojwang's death comes at a sensitive time as Kenya marks the anniversary on Wednesday of massive Gen Z-led demonstrations against President William Ruto's government last year
On Monday, a government spokesperson said there would be "no protests" on 25 June, instead asking people to commemorate at home.
But last week, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda told reporters his officers were prepared for protests, urging people to restrict themselves to "peaceful demonstrations".
(with AFP)
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