Thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets of Nairobi on Wednesday to mark one year since protesters stormed the nation’s parliament during a peak of anti-government demonstrations. The anniversary protest occurred despite widespread fears of violence from state-backed gangs and heavy police presence.
In 2024, more than 60 people were killed by security forces amid weeks of unrest over rising taxes and worsening economic conditions, especially affecting the youth. Activists and families of those killed organized Wednesday’s peaceful demonstration to honor victims of what became the deadliest day of the protests.
One demonstrator, Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman, told AFP “I’m here as a Kenyan youth to protest. It’s our right—our fellow Kenyans were killed last year. The police are supposed to protect us, but instead, they kill us.”
Police Block Roads, Government Buildings Barricaded
By early morning, major roads leading into Nairobi’s central business district were blocked by police. Government buildings were reinforced with razor wire.
Protesters—mostly young men—waved Kenyan flags and held placards bearing the faces of those killed. Many chanted slogans like “Ruto must go”, and some called to “#OccupyStateHouse,” targeting the presidential offices.
Brutality, Grief, and Calls for Justice
The protest also reignited anger over recent police violence. Earlier this month, a teacher died in custody after criticizing a senior officer, adding fuel to public frustration.
Although police have stated that protests are permitted as long as they remain peaceful, many demonstrators fear infiltration by violent gangs allegedly aligned with the state. Just last week, peaceful marchers were attacked by motorbike-riding men armed with whips and clubs—known locally as “goons”—reportedly operating with police cooperation.
Western embassies including those of the U.S., U.K., and Germany condemned these tactics in a joint statement, calling out “the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.”
Angel Mbuthia, head of the opposition Jubilee Party’s youth league, emphasized the symbolic power of June 25:
“Young people must mark this day. Those who died looked like them, spoke like them—they were demanding better governance.”
Political Tensions and Warnings
President William Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising economic transformation, has faced mounting criticism for continued high taxes, corruption, and growing authoritarianism. Although he scrapped a controversial finance bill last year, many remain disillusioned.
Human rights groups say over 80 government critics have gone missing since the 2024 protests—many still unaccounted for. Ruto previously pledged to end forced abductions but, in a speech on Tuesday, defended the police:
“You cannot use force against the police or insult them. You are threatening our nation.”
Analysts Caution Against Escalation
Legal analyst Javas Bigambo warned that political actors might exploit the protests for personal gain, potentially inciting violence among young people:
“There’s nothing to celebrate about June 25. If we are serious about remembering, we should do so with solemnity, reflection, and restraint.”
