Thousands of Kenyans flooded the streets of Nairobi and other major cities on Wednesday, June 25, demanding the resignation of President William Ruto as they marked the first anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-government protests.
The protests, organized by civil society groups and victims’ families, were held to commemorate the storming of Kenya’s parliament in 2024—an event that marked the peak of a nationwide uprising over tax hikes and worsening economic conditions. At least 60 people were killed by security forces during the weeks-long unrest last year.
Chanting “Ruto must go,” demonstrators marched through the streets, some waving Kenyan flags and carrying placards bearing images of those killed during the 2024 protests. The rallying cry “Occupy State House” echoed through the crowds, referring to the official residence and office of President Ruto in Nairobi.
Many schools and businesses were shut down amid fears of violence, while police blocked major roads leading into the capital’s central business district. Key government buildings were heavily fortified with barricades and razor wire.
Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed protester, told AFP: “I’m here as a Kenyan youth to protest. It’s our right—and we are doing this for those who were killed last year. The police should protect us, but instead, they kill us.”
The renewed wave of protests has also been fueled by recent incidents of police brutality. Public outrage intensified earlier this month after a teacher died in police custody following his arrest for allegedly criticizing a senior officer.
Despite the heavy security presence, demonstrators remained defiant, insisting that the government must be held accountable for its actions and for failing to address the economic hardship gripping the nation.
Human rights groups continue to call for justice for those killed during last year’s protests and are urging an end to the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
