16 Killed, Over 400 Injured as Kenyan Police Opened Fire on Protesters on Wednesday

NAIROBI — At least 16 people were killed and more than 400 injured across Kenya on Wednesday as police violently dispersed anti-government protests, according to rights groups and health officials. Most of the fatalities resulted from gunshot wounds, marking the deadliest day of unrest since last year's mass demonstrations over proposed tax hikes.

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to commemorate one year since protesters stormed the national parliament, an event that left over 60 people dead in 2023. Demonstrators rallied against persistent police brutality, economic hardship, and the recent custodial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.

In Nairobi, police used tear gas, water cannons, and reportedly live ammunition to repel demonstrators. Some protesters clashed with security forces as they attempted to march toward State House, the president’s official residence.

Amnesty International Kenya reported 16 deaths by early Wednesday, with the death toll also confirmed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Irungu Houghton, Amnesty Kenya’s executive director, stated that “most were killed by police,” with at least five confirmed to have been shot.

Kenyatta National Hospital admitted 107 injured individuals, most suffering from gunshot wounds—both rubber and live rounds. KNCHR reported over 400 casualties in total, including demonstrators, police officers, and journalists, and cited allegations of excessive force by police.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the reported fatalities. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority confirmed at least 61 arrests during the protests.

Kenya Power, the national electricity provider, announced that one of its security guards was fatally shot while on duty at its Nairobi headquarters.

As protests intensified, the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered major broadcasters NTV and KTN to cease live coverage. Both stations were briefly taken off air after defying the order, but resumed transmission following a court’s suspension of the directive.

Demonstrations and isolated clashes were also reported in Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri.

Last year’s protests led to the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill, but public outrage continues to grow—particularly following the death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang in police custody. Six individuals, including three police officers, have been charged with his murder. All pleaded not guilty.

Demonstrators, many of them young Kenyans, expressed grief and anger. “It’s because of the bloodshed that I’m protesting,” said Janet Mburu, a 32-year-old accountant. “People keep disappearing. Look at the Albert Ojwang case—he was arrested, and now he’s dead.”

Another protester, Oumar, accused the police of incitement: “We were demonstrating peacefully, and they fired tear gas at us for no reason. We’re fighting for their children too.”

On June 25, 2024, police opened fire as crowds broke through barricades and entered parliament, triggering the largest political crisis of President William Ruto’s administration and drawing concern from international observers.

“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25... we want justice,” said protester Lumumba Harmony.