16 Killed, Hundreds Injured in Kenya’s Anti-Government Protests, Amnesty Confirms

Nairobi, Kenya – June 26, 2025 | At least 16 people have been confirmed dead and more than 400 others injured in Kenya following widespread protests against police brutality, corruption, and economic hardship, according to a chilling report by Amnesty International Kenya.

The demonstrations, which erupted on June 25 across 23 counties, marked the anniversary of last year’s controversial Finance Bill protests. What began as a peaceful remembrance quickly escalated into one of the bloodiest civilian uprisings in recent Kenyan history.

“Most of the deceased were killed by live police bullets. Some bodies show signs of excessive force,” said Amnesty International in a statement demanding urgent accountability.

Among the dead were young demonstrators, some reportedly shot at close range. Injuries ranged from gunshot wounds and rubber bullet impacts to beatings from anti-riot police. Amnesty documented 83 serious injuries and reported deliberate efforts by law enforcement to obstruct independent post-mortems.

The protests were partly fueled by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died from injuries sustained while in police custody earlier this month. His case reignited public fury over state repression, alleged extrajudicial killings, and the escalating cost of living.

In cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nakuru, clashes between protestors and security forces led to looting, torching of buildings, and street barricades. Social media platforms were flooded with graphic images of bloodied bodies, as citizens documented what many are calling a “massacre in broad daylight.”

Government Silent, Civil Society Furious

As of press time, the Kenyan government has yet to issue a full statement acknowledging the civilian deaths. Meanwhile, civil society groups, opposition leaders, and international watchdogs are demanding a judicial inquiry and an immediate halt to police militarization of protests.

“Kenya is on a dangerous path. These deaths must not go unpunished,” said a spokesperson from the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

Calls are growing for the United Nations and African Union to step in and mediate a broader conversation on human rights protection, justice reform, and youth inclusion in policymaking.

Related:

• [Read: “Blogger’s Death that Sparked a Nation’s Rage”]

• [Op-Ed: Kenya’s Youth Are Tired of Being Silenced]

• [Special Report: Inside the Police-State Tactics Fueling East Africa’s Protests]

Reporting by iNewsAfrica’s East Africa Desk | For inquiries, contact [email protected]