Kenyans Mark first Anniversary of Deadly Protests Amid Fresh Outrage Over Police Conduct

Kenyans returned to the streets on Wednesday under tight security to commemorate the first anniversary of the anti-government protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament on June 25, 2024.

It was a daring event that left over 60 youthful Kenyans dead and marked one of the most turbulent moments of President William Ruto’s tenure.

Last year’s protests were initially sparked by proposed tax hikes, under the controversial Finance Bill, 2024, which were later withdrawn by President Ruto following public pressure. However, public anger over the heavy-handed response by security forces has continued to simmer.

That outrage has been reignited this month by the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.

On Tuesday, six individuals—including three police officers—were charged with Ojwang’s murder. All pleaded not guilty.

Ojwang’s death has become a symbol of the unresolved trauma from last year’s demonstrations, where more than 60 people were reportedly killed. Many Kenyans blame security agencies for the fatalities and for a spate of enforced disappearances during the unrest.

On Wednesday, police in full anti-riot gear cordoned off key roads leading into Nairobi’s central business district, significantly restricting movement.

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A day earlier, the Ministry of Interior had posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter), cautioning protesters not to “provoke police” or “attempt to breach protected areas.”

The violent scenes from June 25 last year, when protesters broke through barricades and entered Parliament while police fired live rounds, triggered both national outrage and concern from Kenya’s international partners.

In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the embassies of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other European nations urged restraint and protection of the right to peaceful assembly.

“The use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust,” the statement said, echoing widespread criticism from human rights organizations. The presence of unidentified officers during past protests has drawn sharp condemnation.

The diplomatic community also expressed concern over reports that hired individuals had been used to disrupt peaceful protests.

Last week, journalists and protesters at large witnessed groups of men armed with sticks and whips attacking demonstrators. These men have since defended their actions, claiming they were “patriots” safeguarding public property, not hired thugs.

Responding to the diplomatic concerns, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday evening that any violations by police would be handled through established state institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary.

“The ministry reminds all that diplomatic partnerships flourish best in mutual respect, open channels, and a recognition of each other’s unique governance contexts,” it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, two police officers were arrested last week in connection with the fatal shooting of an unarmed protester by the name Brian Kariuki, during demonstrations over Ojwang’s death. Initially, Kenya’s police chief had suggested that Ojwang had died by suicide, but later retracted the statement and issued an apology after a post-mortem revealed signs of physical assault.

As Kenya reflects on the events of the past year, demands for police accountability and the protection of civil liberties remain central to the national conversation.