At Least 16 Killed in Kenya as Anti-Government Protests Turn Deadly

At least 16 people were killed and hundreds injured as violent clashes broke out during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya. The demonstrations, largely driven by youth activists, erupted in response to alleged police brutality and growing public discontent with the government of President William Ruto.

The protests, which swept through major cities including Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret, were sparked by the recent death of a teacher and blogger, Albert Ojwang, while in police custody. His death ignited outrage across the country, fuelling fresh calls for justice and police accountability.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as police fired tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds. Demonstrators were seen waving placards and chanting slogans demanding President Ruto’s resignation and the prosecution of officers accused of using excessive force.

Rights groups have condemned the government’s response, calling it a “disproportionate and deadly crackdown.” According to local human rights organizations, more than 400 people were injured, some critically.

In a televised statement, the Kenyan interior minister described the protests as “an orchestrated attempt to destabilize the nation,” vowing to restore order and pursue those responsible for violence and vandalism.

Despite government denials, protesters say they will not be silenced. “This is no longer just about one man’s death,” said one youth protester in Nairobi. “This is about decades of injustice, corruption, and brutality.”

As tensions remain high, international observers have urged restraint and called for an independent investigation into the deaths and injuries. The United Nations also expressed concern over the rising violence and the restriction of press freedoms, after reports emerged of temporary broadcast blackouts during the protests.

With no clear resolution in sight, Kenya faces one of its most serious domestic crises in recent years driven by a young, increasingly vocal generation demanding change.