The number of deaths in Kenya due to nationwide anti-government demonstrations on Wednesday has climbed to 16, according to the country’s human rights commission. Frustrated young citizens took to the streets in 23 of the country’s 47 counties, demanding an end to police brutality and better governance. The protests quickly evolved into calls for President William Ruto’s resignation.
Death Toll Rises as Youth-Led Protests Rock Kenya
Protesters set two police stations on fire and destroyed property. Public outrage peaked after police killed a blogger in custody and shot a protester dead.
“I came across his photo in a group online and I started searching for him at the hospitals hoping he had survived,” said Fatma Opango, whose 17-year-old nephew was killed.
Government Defends Police Amid Public Outcry
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen visited damaged areas in Nairobi on Thursday and defended police conduct, stating, “There is no police officer who committed any excess yesterday, they foiled a coup and they deserve our defense.” He insisted, “Police don’t carry guns as toys,” and promised to arrest looters caught on CCTV.
In downtown Nairobi, stunned shopkeepers stared at the wreckage of their businesses. One tearful vendor said she lost nearly 800,000 shillings worth of goods, her shop left looted and burned after a night of chaos. “Everything’s gone,” she whispered. “This was all I had.”
Even as the city reeled from the destruction, authorities focused on fortifying the seat of power. The roads leading to Parliament and the President’s office were sealed with rolls of razor wire. This kept protestors far from the symbols of the government they were trying to confront.
And protesters marked Wednesday with purpose, remembering the painful anniversary of last year’s deadly tax uprising.
In it, over 60 people died, and 20 are still missing. Kenyans grieve, lose faith in the government, and demand change, justice, and a chance to be heard.