At least eight people were killed and 400 others wounded in deadly protests in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on Wednesday as thousands took to the streets to mark the anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests.
The protests, which began after Finance Minister Charles Ramakhanu announced a controversial tax law, have been largely led by young people demanding an end to economic hardship and corruption. The protesters also called for the overthrow of President William Ruto’s government, which they accused of taking them as a joke.
Activists said it was crucial for Kenyans to remember the bloody protests of 2024, in which at least 60 people were killed by police. This year’s protests are also tied to the recent death of a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody between June 7 and 8.
The authorities had been informed of the protests but failed to prevent excessive force being used against protesters, according to human rights activists. Despite this, calm has returned to Nairobi on Thursday morning, although devastation is evident.
President Ruto called for peaceful demonstrations in a statement, saying that protests should not be used to destroy peace in Kenya. However, it remains unclear whether lawmakers will address the protesters’ demands.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/26/at-least-eight-killed-in-deadly-kenya-protests-what-we-know