NAIROBI, June 12, 2025 — At least 16 people were killed and around 400 injured in Kenya on Wednesday as thousands took to the streets in nationwide anti-government protests, according to Amnesty International Kenya.
The demonstrations marked one year since the deadly anti-tax protests in June 2024 that left dozens dead and led to the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill. Despite that policy reversal, discontent remains high, especially among youth, over persistent police brutality and lack of accountability.
Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, confirmed the latest death toll to CNN on Thursday.
This week’s protests were triggered by a series of recent incidents, including the death of a teacher in police custody and the fatal shooting of an unarmed street vendor, which have further inflamed public anger.
Massive crowds poured into Nairobi, Mombasa, and several other towns, with demonstrators calling for justice and police reforms. In the capital, roads leading to key government institutions like Parliament and the President’s office were barricaded in anticipation of the unrest.
CNN reported that police used live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse largely peaceful demonstrators in Nairobi. Protesters displayed spent bullet casings as evidence, while some media outlets were forced off-air after the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered a halt to live coverage of the protests.
The forceful police response drew comparisons to last year’s protests, renewing calls from human rights organizations for urgent investigations and accountability.
