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This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
The 2025 Kenya Protests are widespread demonstrations held across Kenya in June and July 2025, driven by anti-government demands. These protests initially began on 25 June 2025, marking the anniversary of the 2024 tax opposition protests. They flared up again in subsequent weeks on various dates. At least 16 people were killed during the initial demonstrations on 25 June, and the total death toll from the July protests reached at least 31.
In 2024, Kenya’s proposed “2024 Finance Bill” included tax increases on essential consumer goods. This triggered large-scale protests nationwide, particularly in the capital Nairobi. On 25 June 2024, the day of the most intense protests, demonstrators entered the Kenyan Parliament building. Security forces intervened, resulting in at least 60 deaths.
Following these events, the government withdrew the bill. However, public dissatisfaction persisted due to ongoing grievances over youth unemployment, economic crisis, and police violence.
The 2025 protests were organized to commemorate those killed in the previous year’s demonstrations. In addition to memorial marches, protesters demanded police reform, anti-corruption measures, and economic improvements. The demonstrations were largely organized by youth groups and civil society organizations. Participants voiced demands for transparency, justice, and a better future for young people. The protests were held under the banner “Generation Z Freedom Day.”
On 25 June 2025, demonstrations took place in all 47 counties of the country. Mass participation was reported in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri. In Nairobi, roads around the parliament building, the presidential residence, and shopping centers were blocked by security forces. Protesters carried Kenyan flags and photographs of demonstrators killed the previous year, chanting slogans such as “Ruto must go.”
During the protests, police deployed extensive security measures. In Nairobi and other cities, tear gas, water cannons, plastic bullets, and live ammunition were used against demonstrators. Police blocked access routes to the parliament building and the presidential residence with barricades. Clashes occurred between police and protesters, particularly in Nairobi’s central business district where police presence was especially heavy.
According to data from Amnesty Kenya and the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR), 16 people were killed during the protests on 25 June 2025. Most were reportedly shot by police. At least five individuals were confirmed to have been killed by direct gunfire.
The KNCHR reported that over 400 people were injured nationwide. Among the injured were protesters, police officers, and journalists. At least 107 injured individuals were transported to Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. A significant number of the injured suffered bullet wounds from live ammunition or plastic bullets.
In Machakos County, a security officer was shot and killed while guarding facilities of Kenya Power. In Matuu, at least seven people were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
During the protests, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued an order to all television and radio stations to cease live broadcasts of the demonstrations. The order was accompanied by a warning of regulatory sanctions. Following the directive, some media outlets including NTV and KTN were temporarily taken off air. However, the Nairobi High Court issued an interim injunction suspending the CA’s order and mandated the immediate restoration of the suspended broadcasts. Additionally, the global internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that access to the Telegram application had been restricted in Kenya.
Property damage occurred in some areas where protests took place. In the town of Kikuyu near Nairobi, demonstrators set fire to a local court building. A police station was stormed and fires were lit in several government buildings. In some areas, unidentified motorcycle gangs, locally known as “goons,” were reported to have attacked protesters. These groups were allegedly armed with whips and sticks, and some reports suggested they operated with the knowledge or cooperation of police.
The embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Western countries issued a joint statement prior to the protests, urging all parties to “facilitate peaceful demonstrations and avoid violence.” The statement emphasized that the use of plainclothes police in unmarked vehicles to confront protesters undermined public trust.
The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its own statement, affirmed that police abuses would be addressed by the appropriate state institutions and stressed the importance of mutual respect in international partnerships. The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) labeled the CA’s broadcast ban as “unconstitutional state censorship.” The KEG reminded media outlets of a 2023 High Court ruling, stating that “such censorship is prohibited.”
Before the protests, Kenyan President William Ruto called on the public to “demonstrate peacefully and avoid chaos and damage to public property.” In a speech one day before the protests began, he emphasized that “any use of force against police, threats, or disrespect will not be tolerated.” Additionally, in July 2024, following the previous year’s events, the Ruto administration dismissed nearly the entire cabinet and announced plans to form a new “broad-based government.”
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNCHR) documented complaints that police used disproportionate force and stated that the use of live ammunition, plastic bullets, and water cannons had caused numerous injuries. Muchiri Nyaga, spokesperson for the Kenya Police Service, declined to comment on allegations made by human rights organizations regarding the incidents.
The protests held on July 7, 2025, coincided with the 35th anniversary of the “Saba Saba” (July 7) demonstrations that symbolized Kenya’s transition to a multi-party democracy. Saba Saba Day commemorates the pro-democracy protests of 1990 against the single-party regime.
The demonstrations were organized as a response to issues including economic crisis, tax increases, police brutality, and the disappearances of opposition figures. They were supported by human rights organizations, youth movements, and opposition political parties. Participants also gathered to honor those who lost their lives during protests in 2024 and 2025.
The July 7 protests took place in more than 20 counties across Kenya. Demonstrations were reported in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nyeri, Kajiado, Kiambu, Meru, Nakuru, Vihiga, Laikipia, Embu, Narok, and Kakamega.
Participants included young people, university students, opposition political groups, human rights defenders, and civil society organizations. Demonstrators carried Kenyan flags, pro-democracy slogans, and photographs of those killed during the 2024–2025 protests.
Main roads in Nairobi and the vicinity of the State House were closed prior to the protests. Police forces used water cannons, tear gas, plastic bullets, and in some cases live ammunition to disperse protesters.
In some areas, police deployed military equipment and masked, unidentified security personnel. Independent observers reported that alongside police, civilian groups armed with machetes and clubs also attacked demonstrators during the protests.
According to data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the death toll from the July 7, 2025 protests rose to at least 31. A total of 107 people were injured, including demonstrators, journalists, and police officers. The KNCHR also reported that numerous individuals went missing during the protests.
During the protests, public buildings and commercial enterprises suffered damage in several areas. Supermarkets and public facilities in cities such as Nairobi and Eldoret were looted, and some government buildings were set on fire.
The Kenya National Commission on Reconciliation and Integration called for restraint in statements that could incite ethnic tensions and criticized police violence.
Communication restrictions continued during the July 7 protests. NetBlocks detected access limitations on social media platforms, and several television and radio stations were temporarily taken off air. During police interventions, some journalists were beaten and arrested. The Kenya Editors Guild and human rights organizations condemned these actions.
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights described the deaths and property damage during the July 7 protests as alarming and called on Kenyan authorities to account for the disproportionate use of force. The embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, in a joint statement, urged that protests be conducted peacefully and that police use proportionate force.
Kenya’s President William Ruto made statements supporting the police during the protests, emphasizing that “threats and insults against the police will not be tolerated.” Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki stated that a “shoot-to-kill” order had been issued in response to attacks on police stations. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights demanded full investigations into all human rights violations and accountability for those responsible.
The 2025 Kenya protests began on 25 June 2025 and reignited in July. The demonstrations were held on the anniversary of the 2024 tax opposition protests and spread across the country. At least 16 people died on 25 June, and the total death toll rose to 31 during the July Saba Saba protests. Police intervention occurred during the demonstrations, and communication restrictions were imposed.
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