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.”
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Jun 27, 2025
May 15, 2026
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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.
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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.”
Ruto has been criticised for using a private jet to the US before last year’s protests and for ministers’ lavish lifestyles. Though he later apologised and dismissed some cabinet members, public trust continues to fall.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders are criticised for staying silent after some were appointed to Ruto’s new cabinet.
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Bloodshed in the Streets
According to Amnesty International Kenya, at least 16 people have died and 400 were injured in Wednesday’s protests. CNN reported police fired live bullets at peaceful protesters in Nairobi as the Communications Authority ordered TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the marches.
Roads near Parliament and the president’s office were barricaded. Police used teargas and water cannons to disperse crowds – scenes that reminded many of last year’s violence.
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“Enough is enough. We are here for change. The blood we have shed is enough,” said protester Sevelina Mwihaki.
What’s Next for Kenya?
As frustration grows among Kenya’s youth, especially Generation Z, calls for accountability, economic reforms, and better governance are rising louder than ever.
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