Protests Erupt in Kenya: Death Toll Rises Amidst Clashes with Police

At least eight lives have tragically been lost, with hundreds injured as demonstrators across Kenya express their dissatisfaction with government policies.

Thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets in protest against President William Ruto's administration, resulting in clashes with police that left at least eight dead and around 400 injured. The unrest coincided with a year since a series of deadly anti-government demonstrations rocked the nation in 2024. Protesters, chanting “Ruto must go” and waving branches to symbolize peaceful dissent, faced a heavy police presence that utilized tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in Nairobi and several other significant cities.

Although the government initially imposed a ban on live broadcasts of the protests, a High Court in Nairobi overturned this restriction. In a symbolic gesture, President Ruto spoke at a burial service in Kilifi, urging citizens to maintain peace, while protesters attempted to move toward his residence. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding stability, stating, "We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong."

Despite the chaotic scenes, the authorities have not released official figures for the protests, but a coalition of organizations, including the Kenya Medical Association and the Law Society of Kenya, reported the eight fatalities. Among the injured, 83 individuals required specialized medical treatment, including eight with gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, human rights organization Amnesty Kenya claimed that the death toll could be as high as 16.

Amid the turmoil, protesters articulated their grievances; one demonstrator, Amina Mude, expressed her desire for change to benefit the future of her children. "I feel like as a country we're not going in the right direction... I feel like it's high time that the country and the leadership listen to us," she stated.

Videos emerging from Nairobi depicted thick plumes of tear gas engulfing streets as demonstrators sought refuge from police actions. In the capital, numerous shops remained boarded up, reflecting the unrest's impact on daily life. Memorial wreaths adorned the parliament walls, bearing witness to the violence from the previous year’s protests, as others carried posters commemorating those lost during the tragic events.

As protests continue, the political climate in Kenya remains tense, and the government’s response to these demonstrations will be critically observed moving forward.