Kenya - June 2025

On 25 June, large-scale anti-government protests erupted across Kenya to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly 2024 demonstrations and in response to the recent death in police custody of blogger Albert Ojwang. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 19 people were killed and 531 injured, many by police gunfire. Over 480 people were arrested, and the military was deployed alongside police in several locations. The protests, held in 23 counties, were marked by violent clashes between demonstrators and police, destruction of property, and alleged sexual violence. Rights groups condemned the excessive use of force, while the UN called for prompt, transparent investigations. Commentators noted that the protests have reignited public anger over police brutality and lack of accountability.

Update: On 7 July, anti-government protests in Kenya left at least 38 people dead—the highest single-day toll since demonstrations began in June—bringing the total killed to 65, according to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. The unrest coincided with the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba pro-democracy protests, a pivotal moment in Kenya’s pro-democracy struggle, as police cracked down on demonstrators nationwide.

Sources: Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, The United Nations, Human Rights Watch, Jeune Afrique, Radio France Internationale, International Crisis Group, International IDEA, Le Monde