NAIROBI, Kenya — At least eight people were killed and over 400 injured during widespread protests across Kenya on Wednesday, marking the anniversary of similar anti-government demonstrations that shook the country in 2024.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Nairobi and other major cities to protest against President William Ruto’s government. Police used tear gas and erected barricades to prevent protesters from reaching key government sites, including State House and parliament.
Demonstrators Demand Change
Many of the demonstrators carried branches and chanted slogans such as “Ruto must go” as a sign of peaceful opposition. In Nairobi, protesters marched through largely deserted streets, with shops closed and tear gas hanging in the air.
Amina Mude, a protester who spoke to the BBC, said she was motivated by concern for the country’s future.
“I joined the protests to fight for the future of my kids,” she said. “I feel like as a country we’re not going in the right direction, especially in education and everything happening. I feel like it’s high time that the country and the leadership listens to us.”
Casualties and Injuries Reported
The Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group issued a joint statement confirming at least eight deaths and 400 injuries. Of those injured, 83 required specialised treatment and eight suffered gunshot wounds. Three police officers were also among the injured.
Human rights organisation Amnesty Kenya suggested the death toll could be as high as 16.
Government Response and Court Ruling
The Kenyan government had earlier banned live TV and radio coverage of the protests, but the High Court in Nairobi overturned the directive. President Ruto, speaking from a burial ceremony in Kilifi County, urged protesters to uphold peace:
“Protests should not be to destroy peace in Kenya. We do not have another country to go to when things go wrong. It is our responsibility to keep our country safe,” he stated.
His absence from State House during the demonstrations was noted, especially as crowds attempted to march toward the residence but were stopped by police using barricades and razor wire.
Symbolic Actions and Continued Tensions
Outside parliament, demonstrators placed wreaths and handwritten notes in memory of those killed in the 2024 protests. A young woman wrapped in a Kenyan flag held a poster listing names of victims from last year’s unrest, symbolising continuity in public discontent.
As of Thursday morning, no official casualty figures had been released by the government.
