Nairobi — Kenya, witnessed a new wave of violent demonstrations on Tuesday as thousands of protesters flooded the streets, marking the first anniversary of the deadly storming of parliament. The unrest, which spread across major cities including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, left at least 8 to 16 people dead and hundreds injured. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), condemned the use of excessive force by police and demanded immediate accountability.
The demonstrations were fueled by public outrage over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month after posting online criticism of law enforcement. An autopsy revealed signs of physical assault, contradicting the official police report. The officer responsible has since been arrested, but the incident has ignited widespread anger over systemic police brutality and a lack of government transparency.
Protesters carried banners, chanted slogans, and clashed with security forces throughout the day. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and live ammunition, leading to chaos and panic in city centers. In Nairobi, Kenyatta National Hospital reported at least 56 injuries, some due to gunshots. Similar scenes were reported in other regions, where shops were shuttered and roads barricaded.
Adding to the tension, local television stations such as NTV and KTN were taken off the air during live coverage of the protests, drawing criticism from media freedom advocates. Legal experts and civil society organizations are preparing lawsuits challenging the broadcast bans.
The protests coincided with public discontent over the recently passed 2025–26 national budget. While Finance Minister John Mbadi removed several unpopular clauses related to tax enforcement and data access following public backlash, critics argue that the budget does little to ease the economic burdens faced by ordinary Kenyans. The government has pledged not to introduce new taxes this year, instead focusing on enhancing tax compliance to increase revenue.
President William Ruto's administration is now under renewed pressure to address the grievances that have galvanized the public. Human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation into the use of lethal force during the protests, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed it is reviewing footage and testimonies from victims and witnesses.
With memories still fresh from last year’s tragic events at parliament, many Kenyans fear a return to the violent cycles of protest and suppression. The next few weeks are expected to be critical as authorities attempt to restore calm while navigating political, economic, and social tensions.
The country’s stability now hinges on how swiftly and transparently the government responds to public demands for justice, reform, and relief.