Kenyan Protests: June 2025 Overview
On June 25, 2025, Kenya saw nationwide protests marking the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, which had resulted in over 60 deaths. These protests, largely driven by Generation Z activists, were fueled by ongoing grievances over police brutality, government corruption, high taxes, and economic hardship. Below is a detailed summary of the events, causes, and outcomes based on available information.
Key Events
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Scale and Locations: Thousands protested across 23 of Kenya’s 47 counties, including major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Kisii. Demonstrators marched toward key government buildings, such as Parliament and the President’s office, which were heavily barricaded with razor wire and police presence.
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Casualties and Injuries: Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 16 deaths, with most attributed to police gunfire. Over 400 people were injured, including protesters, police, and journalists, with 83 requiring specialized treatment, eight for gunshot wounds. More than 60 arrests were recorded.
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Police Response: Security forces used live rounds, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse crowds. Reports highlighted excessive force, including plainclothes officers attacking protesters. Last week, a vendor was shot at close range, and a gang of motorbike-riding “goons” allegedly worked with police to assault demonstrators.
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Media Blackout: The Communications Authority of Kenya banned live protest coverage, citing constitutional violations, forcing media outlets like Citizen TV and KTN to shift to social media platforms such as YouTube and X. A Nairobi High Court later suspended this ban following legal challenges from groups like the Katiba Institute, which argued it violated rights to assembly and expression.
Causes and Context
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Anniversary of 2024 Protests: The 2025 protests commemorated the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations against the Finance Bill, which proposed tax hikes to address Kenya’s $80 billion debt. Those protests, also youth-led, saw parliament stormed, with at least 60 deaths, 20 missing, and numerous abductions. The bill was withdrawn, but new taxes were later introduced, reigniting public anger.
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Trigger Event: The death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody earlier in June 2025, after criticizing a senior officer, became a focal point. Three police officers were charged with his murder, but public distrust persisted due to a lack of accountability for past police actions.
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Broader Grievances: Protesters demanded justice for those killed in 2024, an end to police brutality, and reforms to address corruption, unemployment (67% among Kenyan youth), and rising living costs. President William Ruto’s administration faced criticism for lavish spending, such as a private jet trip to the U.S., and for failing to deliver on promises to uplift the poor.
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Gen Z Mobilization: Young Kenyans, using social media platforms like X, TikTok, and WhatsApp, organized decentralized protests, chanting slogans like “Ruto must go” and “No justice, no budget.” Their frustration reflected distrust in institutions like the police, judiciary, and parliament.
Government and Police Response
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Official Statements: President Ruto called the protests “terrorism disguised as dissent” and accused demonstrators of attempting a coup. He defended police actions and warned against violence, while Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen echoed claims of protester-led violence.
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Police Stance: Inspector General Douglas Kanja stated that protests were permitted if “peaceful and unarmed,” but unauthorized access to protected zones like Parliament was prohibited. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority reported 61 arrests but did not comment on casualties.
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Policy Changes: Ruto scrapped the 2024 Finance Bill and banned politician-led fundraising events tied to corruption. However, the 2025 Finance Bill, passed on June 25, 2025, included controversial measures like granting the Kenya Revenue Authority access to taxpayers’ data, further fueling discontent.
Impact and Reactions
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Public Sentiment: Protesters expressed grief and defiance, with actions like laying flowers and lighting candles for 2024 victims. Personal stories, like that of Jedidah Ombura, whose son was killed in 2024, underscored the emotional toll. Social media amplified these voices, with hashtags like #ProtectTheProtest trending.
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International Response: Western embassies, including the U.S., UK, and Canada, issued a joint statement urging peaceful demonstrations and criticizing the use of plainclothes officers, which eroded public trust.
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Human Rights Concerns: Amnesty Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, and other groups condemned the police’s excessive force and called for accountability. The Katiba Institute’s legal challenge highlighted violations of constitutional rights to assembly and movement.
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Economic and Social Context: Kenya’s debt crisis, with 65% of revenue servicing debt, and IMF-driven tax policies have exacerbated economic hardship. Youth unemployment and rising costs continue to drive unrest, with analysts predicting further political shifts ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ongoing Developments
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Continued Tensions: Clashes persisted into June 26, 2025, with debris littering Nairobi’s streets and businesses torched. Protesters vowed to continue, demanding systemic reforms and Ruto’s resignation.
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Legal Actions: The High Court’s suspension of the media blackout and challenges to police barricades signal growing pushback against state suppression.
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Protest Evolution: The movement has shifted from tax-specific grievances to broader demands for governance reform, with young Kenyans leading a digitally savvy, decentralized campaign.
Conclusion
- The June 2025 protests reflect deep-seated frustration with Kenya’s governance, particularly among its youth, who face economic challenges and an unaccountable police force. While the government has made concessions, such as withdrawing the 2024 Finance Bill, ongoing issues like corruption, abductions, and police violence continue to fuel unrest. The protests underscore a broader call for systemic change, with potential implications for Kenya’s political landscape as the 2027 elections approach.
