Kenya erupts again as youth protest police brutality and poor governance. 16 dead, 400 injured. Read the full story on XTRAfrica.

June 27, 2025 at 7:59:38 AM

May 15, 2026 at 7:03:32 PM

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Kenya erupts again as youth protest police brutality and poor governance. 16 dead, 400 injured.

Nairobi, Kenya – June 27, 2025 Thousands of young Kenyans are back on the streets protesting police brutality, poor governance, and economic struggles. The demonstrations began early Wednesday in Nairobi’s central business district and quickly spread to Mombasa and other towns.

Why are Kenyans Protesting Again?

The protests come exactly one year after deadly demonstrations against tax hikes in June 2024 that left 60 people dead and 20 missing. This week’s anger follows the death of a Kenyan blogger in police custody, which sparked outrage among Generation Z.

“Not a single officer has been held to account,” said human rights activist Hussein Khaled.“People are demanding justice, compensation, and police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives.”

During last week’s protests, a street hawker was shot dead. Kenyan courts have now given detectives 15 days to investigate two police officers linked to the shooting. Many young people flooded social media, remembering protesters killed in past rallies.

President William Ruto had promised to end police brutality after last year’s bloodshed. But activists say nothing has changed.

Unemployment and rising living costs remain top frustrations. Last year’s protests forced Ruto to cancel a controversial finance bill. But new tax proposals have angered youth again, especially after a new healthcare levy shifted premiums to a progressive tax.

“Both health and education are sinking due to bad policies,” said Prof. Macharia Munene of USIU Africa.“At the same time, state officials spend money on luxuries while people suffer.”