The unrest left at least two dead, multiple injured, and businesses shuttered nationwide, according to local reports.

Clashes between police and protesters turned fatal in Machakos and Nakuru counties, where Citizen TV reported one man and a student were killed by live fire. In Nairobi, streets emptied as early as 7 a.m., with the central business district paralyzed by shuttered shops and barricaded roads. Similar disruptions hit Nyeri, Eldoret, and Mombasa as thousands marched with placards decrying alleged ongoing rights abuses. “We’re here to honor those killed last year,” said protester Cyril Kadome. “Nothing has changed—abductions continue.”

The protests reignited tensions over economic grievances that first erupted in June 2023, when youth-led “Reject Finance Bill” demonstrations drew hundreds of thousands. While Ruto’s government has pledged to protect livelihoods, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen’s vow to maintain order contrasted with police warnings against breaching secured areas like Parliament. Inspector-General Douglas Kanja emphasized constitutional assembly rights but cautioned against “provocative acts.”

Analysts note the demonstrations reflect persistent discontent over living costs and governance, testing Ruto’s reform pledges. With memories of last year’s deadly crackdown still fresh, the government faces mounting pressure to address systemic frustrations beyond policing responses.