Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Nairobi and other cities in Kenya on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the country’s deadliest protest day in recent memory, despite heightened fears of police violence and threats from state-aligned gangs.
The commemorations come one year after at least 60 people were killed during nationwide protests triggered by steep tax hikes and deteriorating economic conditions. According to rights organisations, many victims were shot by Kenya police during what were largely peaceful demonstrations in July 2024.
This year’s memorial rally, spearheaded by civil rights groups and families of the deceased, called for nonviolent action to honor those killed. However, the capital city was heavily fortified with police deployments, barricaded roads, and razor wire surrounding key government buildings.
Protesters, most of them youth, marched through Nairobi chanting “Ruto must go,” waving Kenyan flags and holding placards with the faces of slain demonstrators.
President William Ruto has faced growing criticism for what many see as a betrayal of the promises he made during his 2022 campaign.
“I came here because our fellow youth were murdered last year,” said Eve, a 24-year-old protester. “The police should protect us, not kill us.”
Angel Mbuthia, head of the youth wing of the opposition Jubilee Party, emphasized the emotional gravity of the day. “They lost people who look like them, who speak like them, who were fighting for good governance,” she said.
The memorial protests also follow the recent death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who reportedly died in police custody after criticizing a senior officer. His death has sparked fresh outrage over police brutality in the country.
Six individuals, including three police officers, have been charged with murder in connection to Ojwang’s death, though all deny any wrongdoing.
While the government insists peaceful protests are permitted, activists say they face growing intimidation. Just last week, a peaceful rally was violently dispersed by armed gangs on motorcycles—allegedly acting in coordination with police forces.
In response, the US, UK, and Canadian embassies issued a joint statement urging the Kenyan government to uphold the right to peaceful protest and ensure transparency in law enforcement. “The use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust,” the statement noted.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs countered the criticism, urging foreign partners to respect Kenya’s governance structures and allow national institutions to address any misconduct.
Public frustration with President Ruto’s administration continues to grow, particularly among young Kenyans who feel betrayed by the lack of economic improvement.
Although last year’s mass protests led to the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill, many still view the government as opaque and repressive.
Human rights groups have documented more than 80 cases of enforced disappearances of government critics since last year, with dozens still unaccounted for.
Despite earlier promises to end such practices, President Ruto this week defended the actions of law enforcement, stating, “You cannot insult or threaten the police. You are threatening our nation.
As the demonstrations persist, many Kenyans fear a return to the authoritarian tactics of the past and are demanding urgent reforms to prevent history from repeating itself.
