The demonstrations marked one year since violent unrest erupted over a controversial finance bill. Authorities deployed tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition against protesters in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru.

Amnesty International Kenya’s Executive Director Irungu Houghton confirmed 16 verified fatalities, stating most resulted from police actions with at least five gunshot deaths. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights documented over 400 injuries, including bullet wounds. Protests focused on police brutality, corruption allegations, and high living costs, organized primarily by Generation Z activists through social media.

Public anger intensified following the June 8 custodial death of blogger Albert Ojwang, arrested after criticizing police leadership. Demonstrators carrying national flags and symbols honoring last year’s victims attempted to breach barricades near parliament and State House. The Communications Authority imposed a live media blackout, disrupting broadcasts and throttling social platforms including Telegram.

President William Ruto urged calm during a funeral address outside Nairobi, warning against property destruction. The Interior Ministry cited public safety in justifying the 24-hour broadcast suspension. Rights organizations including Katiba Institute, the Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International condemned both media restrictions and alleged excessive force by security personnel.

This unrest reflects unresolved grievances from 2024’s finance bill protests, which left over 60 dead with many still missing. Youth-led digital mobilization continues demanding government accountability and reform. International concern grows as U.S., U.K., and Canadian embassies jointly called for restraint and protection of peaceful assembly rights.