Kenya Marks Anniversary of Deadly Protests with New Clashes and Gunshot Injuries

Fresh violence erupted in Kenya on Wednesday as thousands of citizens took to the streets to mark the one-year anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax protests, which ended in tragedy and ignited ongoing outrage over police brutality. At least 10 people were hospitalised with gunshot wounds during this year’s commemorative rallies, according to a hospital source and a report by Citizen Television.

The protests, held in Nairobi and several other towns across the country, were intended to honour the lives lost during last year’s demonstrations, where over 60 people died, many allegedly at the hands of security forces. The renewed unrest has brought attention once again to Kenya’s growing concerns over human rights violations, police violence, and lack of accountability.

It remains unclear who fired the shots that injured protestors on Wednesday. Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not respond to requests for comment, while the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi confirmed it had received 11 patients with gunshot injuries.

The situation in the capital turned tense early in the day, with police deploying tear gas and water cannon to push back crowds attempting to reach the Central Business District the same area that saw the storming of parliament last year on June 25. Roads into the city center were barricaded, and the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered a halt to live broadcasts of the protests, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and media watchdogs.

Isolated clashes were also reported in Mombasa, Kisii, Kitengela, Matuu, and Nyeri, suggesting the discontent has spread beyond the capital. Despite the heavy police presence, many protesters remained peaceful, including groups that laid wreaths outside parliament in memory of those who died during the 2024 unrest.

This year’s demonstrations were further fueled by the recent death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody earlier this month. His death has become a symbol of the struggle against police violence, triggering a wave of anger among young Kenyans. On Tuesday, six people, including three police officers, were charged with murder over Ojwang’s killing. All have pleaded not guilty.

“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25… we want justice,” said protester Lumumba Harmony, speaking from the heart of the demonstrations in Nairobi.

The mass protests of June 25, 2024, where demonstrators breached barricades and entered parliament under a hail of gunfire marked the most serious crisis of President William Ruto’s administration and drew sharp rebukes from Kenya’s international partners.

Although Ruto later withdrew the controversial tax proposals that sparked last year’s unrest, public frustration remains high, particularly around state violence, unsolved disappearances, and a perceived lack of police reform. As Kenya continues to grapple with these deepening grievances, Wednesday’s scenes serve as a sobering reminder that the wounds of last year have yet to heal and the calls for justice are far from over.