Deadly Clashes Erupt Across Kenya as Gen Z-Led Protests Mark Anniversary of Anti-Finance Bill Demonstrations
Witnesses and rights organizations accused police of using live ammunition against demonstrators. Amnesty International placed the death toll at 16.
At least 12 killed, over 400 injured as Gen Z-led protests turn violent during the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, June 25, 2025. Photo/The Kenyan Online.
By Robert Assad
At least 12 people were killed and more than 400 wounded Wednesday as Gen Z-led protests marking the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations erupted into violent nationwide unrest, according to human rights monitors and police sources, June 25, 2025.
Fatalities were reported across several towns, including Nairobi’s Ngara and Embakasi neighborhoods, Molo, Emali, Ol Kalou, Ongata Rongai, Juja and Kikuyu.
Witnesses and rights organizations accused police of using live ammunition against demonstrators. Amnesty International placed the death toll at 16.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed casualties among protesters, police and journalists. The agency said more than 80 people required specialized treatment, with eight suffering gunshot wounds. Among the dead was a Form Three student in Molo and a security guard shot outside the Kenya Power offices in Nairobi.
“This is a grave violation of human rights,” KNCHR said in a statement, condemning the lethal force used and noting credible reports of criminal infiltration in the protests in multiple cities, including Eldoret, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
The protests were held to commemorate the June 25, 2024 demonstrations in which over 60 people were killed. This year’s protests revived calls for justice, police accountability, and economic reform. Crowds in major cities lit bonfires, blocked roads and clashed with heavily armed police units.
Protesters chanting “Ruto Must Go” attempted to march to Parliament and State House in Nairobi, but were stopped by barricades and security forces.
The day also saw a media blackout. Television stations NTV, Citizen TV and K24 were abruptly taken off air by the Communications Authority of Kenya for broadcasting the protests live. The move drew widespread criticism from legal experts, media groups and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who labeled the action unconstitutional.
The High Court later issued an order suspending the broadcast directive pending further review.
As night fell, tensions remained high. Demonstrators vowed to sustain pressure on the government despite the casualties and attempts to silence media coverage.
President William Ruto called for peaceful demonstrations but has faced mounting criticism over the continued suppression of civic freedoms and the use of lethal force by security agencies.
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