Kenya is burning again — Here’s what triggered the deadly protests

Tension boiled over across Kenya on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as anti-government protests turned violent, leaving at least 8 people dead and over 400 injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The nationwide demonstrations, held on the first anniversary of last year’s bloody tax protests that killed more than 60 people, quickly spiraled into chaos, with gunfire, tear gas, and water cannons reported in multiple cities.

“Over 400 casualties have been reported, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists,” KNCHR confirmed in a late-night statement on X (formerly Twitter).

“All eight deaths were allegedly from gunshot wounds.”

In Nairobi, large crowds attempted to march toward State House, the president’s official residence.

Police responded with force.

Kenyatta National Hospital received over 100 injured patients, many with gunshot wounds, according to hospital sources.

Meanwhile, in Kikuyu town, protestors set fire to local court buildings, while in Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Nyeri, and Matuu, clashes between civilians and security forces were also reported.

During live coverage of the protests, Kenya’s Communications Authority ordered a blackout on media stations showing the scenes in real time.

NTV and KTN, two major broadcasters, briefly went off-air but were restored after a court intervention suspended the censorship directive.

The media shutdown sparked further outrage, with rights groups accusing the government of trying to suppress freedom of expression.

Public fury was already at a boiling point following the recent death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.

Six suspects — including three police officers — have been charged with murder but pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday.

“We are fighting for justice,” said protester Lumumba Harmony in Nairobi.

“We want justice for Ojwang, and for everyone who died since June 25 last year.

The protests mark one year since the deadly June 25, 2024 uprising, when demonstrators stormed Kenya’s parliament and clashed violently with police.

The day is now seen as a turning point in President William Ruto’s presidency, exposing widespread dissatisfaction with governance and rising authoritarianism.

Though Ruto eventually backed down on the proposed tax hikes last year, wounds remain unhealed amid continuing allegations of police brutality, disappearances, and lack of accountability.

The Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not respond to media inquiries about Wednesday’s casualties.

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