NAIROBI – At least 16 people have been confirmed dead following widespread anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, with human rights groups pointing fingers at police for the majority of the fatalities.
The protests marked one year since mass demonstrations against a controversial tax bill saw scores killed and demonstrators storm parliament. This week’s protests, which turned violent in several cities, reignited national outrage over police brutality.
Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) jointly confirmed the 16 deaths, with Amnesty’s Executive Director Irungu Houghton stating that most of the victims were killed by police. At least five were shot dead.
“Verified dead as of 8:30,” said Houghton, speaking to Reuters. “Most were killed by police.”
KNCHR reported more than 400 injuries, including protesters, journalists, and police officers. It cited heavy deployment of security forces and the alleged use of live ammunition, rubber bullets, and water cannons.
Kenya’s police spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, did not respond to questions regarding the human rights bodies’ findings.
Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, the country’s main public hospital, reported receiving over 100 injured individuals. A hospital official said many had sustained gunshot wounds from both live rounds and rubber bullets, though no deaths were confirmed there.
Kenya Power also reported the shooting death of one of its security guards while on duty near the utility’s headquarters in the capital.
Tension flared throughout the day as demonstrators attempted to march toward State House. Local broadcasters NTV and KTN aired the scenes live until the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered them off air. A Nairobi court later suspended the directive, allowing both stations to resume broadcasts.
Unrest was also reported in Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri, with protesters demanding justice for those killed in both past and current demonstrations.
Public anger had already been mounting after the recent death of blogger and schoolteacher Albert Ojwang in police custody. Six suspects, including three police officers, have since been charged with his murder.
Ojwang’s death has added fuel to national calls for accountability in the security sector, especially among young Kenyans who remain vocal about unresolved deaths and disappearances linked to police operations.
“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans,” said protester Lumumba Harmony in Nairobi. “And for the people who died since June 25… we want justice.”
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