At least eight killed in protests sweeping across Kenya

At least eight people have been killed and 400 more injured in a police crackdown on anti-government protesters in Kenya.

Thousands had gathered to mark the anniversary of deadly protests that claimed 60 lives in June 2024.

Both police and protesters have been injured in the unrest, which is part of a broader youth-led pushback against the government of President William Ruto.

Here’s what you need to know.

2024 protests

Last year, young people in Kenya launched a social media campaign against a Government tax plan which they argued would increase the cost of everyday goods.

Protesters rallied in the streets of Kenya’s largest cities, including the capital, Nairobi.

Security forces responded violently to the protests, killing at least 60 people. At one point, police opened fire on demonstrators who had stormed Kenya’s Parliament to stop the tax plan passing.

Instability

While Ruto’s Government eventually dumped the tax plan, tensions have remained high in Kenya over the past year.

Local non-government organisations (NGOs) and rights groups like Amnesty International have since reported mass arrests and abductions by security forces.

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Earlier this month, 31-year-old Albert Ojwang, a well-known blogger, was found dead in a Nairobi jail after he was arrested by police, sparking protests. An autopsy found he was physically assaulted and died of his wounds.

Anniversary

This week, protesters gathered to mark the anniversary of last year’s rallies, calling for Ruto to step down as President.

Clashes between security forces and protesters have since escalated.

In a statement on social media, the Kenyan National Police Service warned protesters to “refrain from provocative acts”.

Under Kenyan law, waving the national flag in public is illegal in most circumstances.

A group of NGOs has since confirmed the deaths of eight people.

400 were wounded, 83 three of whom are being treated for serious injuries.

Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights has corroborated the figures, adding that 61 people have been arrested by police.

The NGOs, which included the Law Society of Kenya, said the figures could grow in the coming days, saying: “We pray for our nation, dialogue, and a way forward from the political impasse facing Kenya.”