Thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets on Wednesday to commemorate the first anniversary of a deadly anti-government protest that saw demonstrators storm the country’s parliament. The rallies, largely driven by youth anger over economic hardship and state repression, were held despite growing fears of violence from police and state-aligned groups.
The 2023 protests, sparked by a controversial tax hike, left at least 60 people dead as security forces cracked down on dissent. As the nation marked the grim anniversary, activists and relatives of victims called for peaceful demonstrations to honor those killed, particularly on June 25—the deadliest day of last year’s unrest.
However, tensions remained high. Calls circulated to “Occupy State House,” referring to the official residence of President William Ruto in Nairobi. As a precaution, schools and businesses across major cities were shut, while authorities barricaded government buildings with razor wire and blocked roads leading into the capital’s central business district.
Chanting “Ruto must go,” crowds of mostly young men waved Kenyan flags and held placards bearing the faces of last year’s victims.
“I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest. It is our right, for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here… they are supposed to protect us, but they kill us,” said Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman who spoke with AFP.
Angel Mbuthia, head of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party, stressed the importance of youth participation:
“It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them… who are fighting for good governance,” she said.
Rising Concerns Over Brutality and ‘Goons’
The protests have reignited public outrage over police brutality—especially following the death of a teacher in custody earlier this month after allegedly criticizing a senior police officer. While authorities maintain that protests are permitted “as long as they are peaceful and unarmed,” recent events have cast doubt on that assurance.
Last week, a group of peaceful protesters was violently attacked by gangs of motorbike-riding men armed with clubs and whips, widely referred to in Kenya as “goons.” Eyewitnesses and rights groups allege the group operated with the support or coordination of police.
Western embassies in Kenya, including those of the U.S., U.K., and Germany, issued a rare joint statement condemning “the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.”
Political analyst and lawyer Javas Bigambo cautioned against allowing the protests to be co-opted by opportunistic actors.
“There is nothing good to celebrate about the events that happened last year,” he said. “If we were serious about commemorating June 25th, it should be in solemnity, prayer and restraint.”
Deepening Discontent With Ruto’s Leadership
President Ruto, elected in 2022 on promises of economic reform, is now facing mounting public disillusionment. Despite backing down on last year’s unpopular finance bill, his administration continues to face criticism over inflation, unemployment, and persistent corruption.
Compounding public frustration are reports of enforced disappearances. Human rights groups say over 80 critics of the government have gone missing since last year’s protests, with dozens still unaccounted for.
Although Ruto has previously pledged to end extrajudicial abductions, his tone hardened on Tuesday. Defending police conduct, he warned protesters against targeting law enforcement.
“You cannot use force against the police or insult or threaten the police. You are threatening our nation,” he declared.
As the protests continue, Kenya remains on edge—torn between its democratic ideals and growing fears of authoritarian regression.
AFP
