Sixteen Killed, Hundreds Injured as Kenyans Mark Anniversary of Anti-Government Protests

At least 16 people have been killed and more than 400 injured during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya, according to human rights groups, as thousands took to the streets to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations.

Amnesty International Kenya confirmed the fatalities, saying most victims were shot by police during Wednesday’s protests. Executive Director Irungu Houghton said five people were confirmed to have died from gunshot wounds, and the total number of deaths had been verified in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The protests coincided with the one-year mark of the 2024 demonstrations, which left over 60 people dead following widespread anger over a controversial tax bill and saw the storming of parliament.

In Nairobi, riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators, with some protesters attempting to approach the president’s residence, which had been sealed off with razor wire. Images from the scene showed helicopters hovering above as plumes of smoke rose from parts of the capital.

NTV Kenya, one of the local stations broadcasting the protests live, was taken off air along with another network for defying a government order to halt live coverage.

KNCHR said it received reports of eight deaths across various regions, all allegedly caused by gunshot wounds. The agency also cited over 400 injuries, affecting protesters, journalists, and police officers, as a result of excessive force, including the use of rubber bullets and live ammunition.

Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi reported admitting 107 injured individuals, the majority suffering from gunshot wounds.

Isolated clashes also occurred in the coastal city of Mombasa and other towns including Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu, and Nyeri.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority,