At least 16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, with rights groups accusing police of using lethal force against demonstrators marking the anniversary of last year's deadly unrest.
Sixteen people died during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, with most victims reportedly shot by police, according to Amnesty Kenya. The demonstrations, which drew thousands to the streets, marked one year since tax protests in 2024 that left over 60 dead and saw demonstrators storm parliament.
Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty Kenya, said the death toll was verified by the rights group along with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). “Most were killed by police,” he told Reuters, confirming that at least five victims had died from gunshot wounds.
KNCHR had earlier reported eight deaths linked to gunfire and said more than 400 people, including protesters, police officers and journalists, had been injured in the clashes. The group condemned what it described as “excessive use of force”, including rubber bullets and live ammunition.
Kenyan police have not commented on the allegations. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority confirmed at least 61 arrests nationwide.
Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi reported receiving 107 injured people, many with gunshot wounds. One Kenya Power security guard was also confirmed dead after being shot while patrolling company premises.
Tensions escalated when large crowds approached State House, the presidential residence. Broadcasters NTV and KTN were temporarily taken off air for covering the protests live, defying an order from the Communications Authority of Kenya. A Nairobi court later suspended the directive, allowing the channels to resume broadcasts.
Protests and sporadic violence were also reported in Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu and Nyeri.
Public anger has continued to simmer over the conduct of security forces. Earlier this month, outrage grew following the death in custody of Albert Ojwang, a blogger and teacher. Six individuals, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder.
Ojwang’s death has reignited calls for police accountability. “We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25... we want justice,” protester Lumumba Harmony told Reuters.
The anniversary comes a year after protesters stormed Kenya’s parliament on 25 June 2024 in response to a controversial tax bill. The events marked one of the gravest political challenges of President William Ruto’s administration and drew condemnation from international partners concerned over human rights violations.
Hong Kong on Saturday mourned the 128 people known to have died in a massive fire at a high-rise apartment complex, a toll that is likely to rise with...
The global recall of Airbus A320 aircraft has triggered widespread disruption across several major airlines, forcing flight cancellations in the Unite...
U.S. investigators have recovered the black box recorders from the wreckage of a UPS cargo plane that crashed in flames on takeoff in Louisville, Kent...
Pope Leo visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque on Saturday, stepping inside one of the most iconic sites of the Muslim world. He removed his shoes at the e...
Russian drones and missiles struck several districts of Kyiv early on Saturday, killing one person and injuring more than a dozen. Fires swept through...
Kenyan human rights activists Bob Njagi and Nick Oyoo were released from Ugandan detention after 39 days, following international pressure and diplomatic intervention. They were abducted while attending a political rally in support of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
The death toll from a massive landslide in western Kenya’s Elgeyo Marakwet County has climbed to 26 after rescuers recovered four more bodies on Sunday, before operations were halted due to sudden flash floods.
At least 21 people have been killed and more than 30 are missing after a landslide struck Kenya’s Elgeyo Marakwet East region in the Rift Valley following days of heavy rain, authorities said.
A light aircraft crash in Kenya on Wednesday (28 October) has claimed the lives of eight Hungarian and two German tourists, as well as a Kenyan pilot.
At least 47 people have died and another 21 are reported missing following ten days of heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides across Sri Lanka, local media reported on Thursday (27 November).
Hong Kong fire authorities said they expected to wrap up search and rescue operations on Friday after the city's worst fire in nearly 80 years tore through a massive apartment complex, killing at least 128 people, injuring 79 and leaving around 200 still missing.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited sailors aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier in the Latin American region on Thursday, amid a military buildup by President Donald Trump’s administration that has heightened tensions with Venezuela.
Rescuers in Sri Lanka are racing against rising floodwaters and treacherous terrain today after a powerful storm system slammed into the island nation, killing at least 46 people and displacing tens of thousands in a disaster that threatens to strain the country’s resources.
The Spanish agricultural sector has been placed on high alert following the confirmation that African Swine Fever (ASF) has resurfaced in the country for the first time in over thirty years.
Hong Kong on Saturday mourned the 128 people known to have died in a massive fire at a high-rise apartment complex, a toll that is likely to rise with 150 still missing days after the disaster.
The global recall of Airbus A320 aircraft has triggered widespread disruption across several major airlines, forcing flight cancellations in the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Pope Leo visited Istanbul’s Blue Mosque on Saturday, stepping inside one of the most iconic sites of the Muslim world. He removed his shoes at the entrance in a gesture of respect. He did not appear to pray.
Russian drones and missiles struck several districts of Kyiv early on Saturday, killing one person and injuring more than a dozen. Fires swept through residential blocks as debris rained over the city.
Shoppers packed malls and downtown streets in Caracas on Black Friday (28 November) as retailers offered discounts despite Venezuela’s prolonged economic crisis. Customers queued in shoe and electronics stores and browsed signs advertising cuts of up to 50%.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment