A year after Kenyans stormed Parliament in a dramatic protest against tax hikes, the nation is once again in mourning. At least 16 people were killed during fresh demonstrations on Wednesday — most reportedly shot by police — according to Amnesty International Kenya.
Highlights
- At least 16 killed during anti-government protests across Kenya.
- Amnesty Kenya says most deaths were caused by police gunfire.
- Demonstrations marked one year since the deadly 2024 tax protests.
- Grief fueled by recent police brutality and media blackouts.
- Protesters demand justice, economic relief, and police accountability.
Main Story
Kenya’s streets were once again scenes of grief and fury on June 25, 2025, as nationwide anti-government protests ended with the deaths of at least 16 citizens. Amnesty Kenya confirmed the toll, stating that most of the deceased were killed by police during confrontations in major towns.
The protests came exactly a year after the tragic 2024 tax demonstrations, when scores of Kenyans stormed Parliament and dozens lost their lives. This year’s protests were both a commemoration and a call for continued resistance against rising taxes, corruption, and police violence.
Protesters in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Mombasa faced a fierce police crackdown involving live bullets, tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. According to human rights groups, excessive force was used against largely peaceful demonstrators, many of whom were unarmed youth.
During the protests, the Communications Authority of Kenya issued a directive banning live broadcasts of the events, a move that was widely condemned by rights watchdogs and the public. Critics viewed it as an attempt to hide the scale of violence and suppress information.
Amnesty and other civil rights bodies are calling for independent investigations into the killings, an end to police brutality, and protection of the right to protest. They stress that Kenyan youth are demanding not just lower taxes, but dignity, justice, and meaningful political reform.
Another June, another tragedy. The question haunting many Kenyans now: how many more must die before voices are truly heard?
