At least 16 people have been killed and hundreds injured during anti-government protests across Kenya, according to a statement by Amnesty International on Thursday. Most of the fatalities were reportedly caused by police gunfire during Wednesday’s nationwide demonstrations, which marked the anniversary of last year’s deadly protests. Thousands of Kenyans marched through major cities—including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret—denouncing the government’s proposed tax hikes and the increasing brutality of law enforcement. The protests were met with heavy-handed crackdowns, with security forces using live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse crowds.
The Kenya Medical Association, Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group issued a joint statement revealing that many of the injured protesters suffered gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported scenes of chaos in downtown Nairobi, where medical volunteers treated bleeding victims in makeshift aid stations. President William Ruto, who has been under growing pressure to curb the rising cost of living, was forced to withdraw the controversial tax bill earlier this month. However, public anger has not abated, especially following the recent death of a popular blogger in police custody, which sparked fresh outrage and calls for accountability.
Wednesday’s protests underscore growing dissatisfaction with the Ruto administration’s economic policies and ongoing concerns about police violence and impunity. Rights groups are demanding an independent investigation into the killings and a comprehensive reform of Kenya’s security forces.
