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.
The final text of a peace agrement has been agreed by the U.S. and Iran, with the signing of the deal expected to take place electronically within 2...
As the 2026 World Cup kicked off on 11 June across North America, U.S. visa restrictions and travel policies have made it impossible for supporters, ...
Every June, roughly 13 million young people in China sit down at the same time to take the same test. They have been preparing for it, in many cases, ...
European museums are increasingly returning cultural artefacts to countries in Africa and the Middle East, as pressure grows to address the legacy of ...
Uzbekistan will launch a new digital financial platform from 1 July aimed at simplifying access to finance for entrepreneurs, as part of broader effor...
Finance ministers across East Africa unveiled their 2026/27 budgets on Thursday, as investors assessed how governments plan to protect their economies from shocks linked to the ongoing Iran war while managing rising debt levels.
A Kenyan court on Tuesday blocked the construction and planned operation of a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility for an additional 3 weeks, escalating a legal and political dispute that has sparked deadly protests and public anger.
The deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy has exposed a hard truth: despite decades of warnings, many African boarding schools still leave children vulnerable to preventable disasters.
Protesters in Nanyuki blocked roads and burned tyres after residents challenged a U.S. plan to house Americans exposed to Ebola at a nearby military base.
SpaceX has made history with the largest initial public offering ever in the United States, pricing its shares at $135 each and achieving a market valuation of $1.77 trillion.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
While France hosts next week’s Group of Seven summit, businesses in neighbouring Switzerland have already begun taking precautions, with many shops in Geneva boarded up ahead of a large anti-G7 demonstration expected on Sunday.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have criticised Britain, France and Germany for leaving them out of talks with Russia about a potential future peace deal for Ukraine.
Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly’s Monaco Grand Prix podium has been reinstated after Alpine successfully challenged his post-race penalties through a Right of Review request with the FIA.
Every June, roughly 13 million young people in China sit down at the same time to take the same test. They have been preparing for it, in many cases, since primary school. Their families have rearranged their lives around it.
European museums are increasingly returning cultural artefacts to countries in Africa and the Middle East, as pressure grows to address the legacy of colonialism and disputed ownership.
Uganda’s health ministry has raised concerns over what it described as unfair travel restrictions imposed during the current Ebola outbreak, warning that such measures risk undermining transparent reporting. .
Georgia is overhauling its migration laws in one of the most significant legal reforms in years, introducing criminal penalties for fake marriages, tighter controls on foreign students and expanded investigative powers for the migration authorities.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 13 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment