2025 Kenyan protests
| 2025 Kenyan protests | |
|---|---|
 Protesters in Nairobi | |
| Date | 9 June 2025 – present |
| Location | |
| Caused by | Introduction of Kenya Finance Bill 2024 and subsequent death of Albert Ojwang |
| Goals | Resignation of William Ruto's government |
| Casualties | |
| Death(s) | 20 |
| Injuries | ≥500 |
| Arrested | 61 |
In June 2025, protests began in Kenya against the country's president, William Ruto, and his government. At least 20 people were killed.[1][2]
Background
[edit]In 2024, the introduction of the Kenya Finance Bill led to protests.[3] On 6 June 2025, Kenyan blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang was arrested by police on charges of "false publication",[4] reportedly in connection with a post on X that criticized the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.[5] Ojwang died in police custody two days later. According to a police statement he "sustained head injuries after hitting his head against the cell wall" and was subsequently "rushed to Mbagathi hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival".[5] Ojwang's death, along with broader public concerns over rising living costs and political corruption, contributed to the outbreak of demonstrations on 9 June 2025.[6]
Events
[edit]On 9 June 2025, protesters gathered in Nairobi.[6] Continued protests were met by police response the following week.[3] On 25 June, thousands of protesters gathered to commemorate protests over the Kenya Finance Bill.[7]
20 people died in clashes against police and at least 500 were injured.[2][1] As a result of the protests, acting speaker David Ochieng Ouma temporarily adjourned the National Assembly on 25 June.[8]
At least 485 people were arrested.[9]
On June 30, mask vendor and bystander Boniface Kariuki succumbed to his injuries after being shot in the head at close range by a police officer on June 17 in Nairobi.[9] He was declared brain-dead in hospital by doctors at the national referral hospital. Two police officers were arrested over the shooting on the same day.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Kenyan civilian shot at close range by police during protests dies". CTV News. 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Kenya Gen Z protests see press freedom under fire". Deutsche Welle. 28 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.
- ^ a b Sampson, Eve; Dahir, Abdi Latif. "At Least 8 Killed as Protesters Battle Police in Kenya". The New York Times.
- ^ Muia, Wycliffe (11 June 2025). "Kenyan blogger was hit and assaulted to death, autopsy reveals". www.bbc.com. Archived from the original on 15 June 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ a b Wandera, Akisa; Rukanga, Basillioh (9 June 2025). "Protest hits Kenya after shock death of man held by police". www.bbc.com. Archived from the original on 11 June 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ a b Sampson, Eve (19 June 2025). "Chilling Photos Capture Police Shooting Man, Fueling Anger in Kenya". The New York Times. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
- ^ Okoth, Edwin; Malalo, Humphrey; Mumo, Vincent (25 June 2025). "Sixteen deaths recorded in Kenya protests, most killed by police, Amnesty Kenya says". Reuters. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ Mwere, David (25 June 2025). "June 25 protests: House sitting put on hold amid Gen Z scare". Daily Nation. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Kenyan vendor shot by police during protests dies after life support switched off". BBC News. 30 June 2025. Retrieved 30 June 2025.