By Ayomide Otitoju
At least two people were killed and several others injured on Wednesday as protests marking the anniversary of Kenya’s deadly 2023 anti-government demonstrations turned violent, prompting a fierce response from police and renewed public outcry over police brutality and economic hardship.
Demonstrators took to the streets of Nairobi and other cities to mark one year since the June 25, 2023, mass protests, during which more than 60 people were killed amid widespread anger over tax hikes and soaring unemployment.
What began as peaceful commemorative marches quickly descended into chaos, with police firing tear gas and sealing off key government buildings with barbed wire. Protesters retaliated by ripping up flagstones and hurling projectiles while chanting calls for President William Ruto to resign.
“We are marching against police brutality, against oppression by the government, against high taxation—everything that is going wrong in this country,” said a 25-year-old protester identified only as Anthony.
Two people were reportedly shot dead in Matuu, about 100 kilometers from the capital, with local media suggesting police fired live rounds. In Nairobi, several demonstrators and a police officer sustained injuries, and a man believed to be a plain-clothed officer was beaten by the crowd.
Despite heavy police presence and a government order suspending live TV and radio coverage, thousands continued to rally, including in the port city of Mombasa. NetBlocks, a global internet monitor, confirmed that Telegram was restricted across Kenya amid the unrest.
“This system is rotten,” said protester Florence Achala in Nairobi. “We need a complete overhaul.”
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks following the death of a teacher in police custody and the emergence of alleged gangs on motorcycles, dubbed “goons,” accused of attacking peaceful demonstrators—reportedly with police complicity.
In a rare public rebuke, the embassies of Britain, Germany, and the United States condemned “the use of hired goons to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.”
Analysts have warned of the potential for political actors to exploit the unrest. “If we were serious about commemorating June 25, it should be with solemnity, prayer, and restraint,” said constitutional lawyer Javas Bigambo.
President Ruto, who came to power in 2022 on promises of economic revival, has faced mounting criticism over deteriorating living conditions, surging taxes, and continued abductions of government critics—with over 80 disappearances recorded since last year’s protests.
In a defiant speech on Tuesday, Ruto expressed unwavering support for the police, pledging to “stand by” them in the face of mounting dissent.
