At least 16 people were killed and hundreds injured during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, according to Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The unrest marks the anniversary of last year's deadly demonstrations against a controversial tax bill that ended in the storming of parliament.
Some protesters clashed with police, and 16 people were "verified dead as of 8:30", Amnesty Kenya's executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters, with the figures confirmed by Amnesty International and the KNCHR.
Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Nairobi and other major towns to commemorate the youth-led movement that began in 2023.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in the capital, local media reported.
This year’s protests are once again fuelled by public outrage over proposed tax increases amid a deepening cost-of-living crisis. Many demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of President William Ruto.
Demonstrations have escalated over the past week and spread across cities and towns nationwide.
The movement is largely driven by digital activism, with young Kenyans organising through social media platforms such as X and TikTok. These platforms have been used to mobilise protests, crowdfund resources, and amplify opposition to the bill.
Amnesty International reported that at least 12 individuals suspected of involvement in recent protests had been abducted in the past five days.
Media freedom has also come under pressure. Broadcaster KTN was reportedly taken off-air following a Communication Authority directive to halt live coverage of protests.
Meanwhile, internet watchdog NetBlocks also recorded disruptions to connectivity during the protests.
President Ruto, who was elected nearly two years ago on a platform of representing Kenya’s working class, now finds himself caught between pressure from international lenders - such as the International Monetary Fund, which is pushing for deficit reduction - and growing domestic unrest.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Western embassies, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada issued a joint statement on X urging the protection of peaceful protest.
“The use of plain clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court,” the statement said.
