Kenya Protest Anniversary Turns Violent: 8 Dead, 400 Injured in Clashes

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Kenya was rocked by violent protests on Wednesday as thousands marked the anniversary of last year’s anti-government demonstrations. Clashes between protesters and police left at least eight people dead and over 400 injured across Nairobi and 23 counties.

Initially peaceful, the rallies descended into chaos as demonstrators hurled stones and demanded President William Ruto’s resignation. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and barricades around government buildings.

The protests were meant to commemorate the deadly 2024 unrest over tax hikes and economic hardship. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, reported the casualties and criticized the government’s heavy-handed response.

Live media coverage was banned, and access to the Telegram app was restricted. Public outrage has grown over police brutality, enforced disappearances, and what many view as a return to authoritarian rule under Ruto.

Western embassies condemned the use of hired gangs to disrupt peaceful demonstrations, warning of rising political instability in the country.