Amnesty International Reports Rising Death Toll from Anti-Government Protests in Kenya

Amnesty International has confirmed that at least 16 people have been killed during ongoing anti-government protests in Kenya, with over 400 others injured. The protests, which erupted on June 25, are a response to rising living costs, government corruption, and police brutality, marking the anniversary of last year’s demonstrations that resulted in over 60 fatalities.

The protests began as a peaceful commemoration of those who lost their lives in the previous year’s unrest. However, they quickly escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. Eyewitness reports indicate that police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse crowds, leading to numerous injuries among protesters, police, and journalists.

Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, stated that the death toll has been verified by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. He emphasized that most of the fatalities were caused by police actions, with at least five individuals reportedly shot dead during the protests.

In Nairobi, protesters gathered in large numbers, chanting slogans against President William Ruto and calling for justice. One demonstrator, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address the rising cost of living, stating, “We are tired of empty promises. Our lives are getting harder every day.”

The demonstrations have drawn significant public attention, with thousands of Kenyans taking to the streets in various cities, including Mombasa and Kisumu. Protesters have been seen waving flags and holding placards bearing the images of victims from last year’s protests.

The Kenyan government has restricted live media coverage of the protests in response to the unrest, threatening regulatory action against non-compliant broadcasters. Reports indicate that several television stations were taken off the air after defying the government’s orders. A government spokesperson defended these actions, claiming they were necessary to maintain public order.

The protests have reignited public outrage over police brutality, particularly following the recent death of a blogger in police custody, which has further fueled calls for accountability and reform. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, are urging the government to engage in dialogue with protest leaders and to respect the right to peaceful assembly.

Political analyst Dr. Amani Mwangi noted, “The government’s heavy-handed response to these protests could lead to further unrest. There is a growing demand for accountability and transparency, and the government must address these issues to prevent escalation.”

Activists are calling on global leaders and the international community to support human rights in Kenya and to hold the government accountable for its actions.