June 26, 2025
Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya witnessed a powerful wave of youth-led demonstrations on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, as thousands took to the streets across at least 23 counties to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly anti-tax protests that shook the nation in 2024. The protests—centered in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Nyeri, and other urban centers—were sparked by lingering grievances over police brutality, corruption, and governance failures.
The demonstrations, which began peacefully in many areas, escalated into confrontations between protesters and security forces. In multiple counties, police responded with force—firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and in some instances, live ammunition. Protesters erected barricades, lit fires, and blocked major highways in protest of what they described as the government’s continued failure to address justice and police reform.
In the capital, heavy security was deployed around key government installations, including Parliament and State House, which were heavily barricaded. Riot police patrolled the streets of Nairobi’s CBD and parts of Westlands, Kamukunji, and Kibera, where youth activists rallied in defiance of an official ban on public assemblies.
Adding to the growing tension, the Communications Authority of Kenya issued a directive suspending live broadcast coverage of the protests by noon, citing “national security concerns.” Major media houses complied, though independent journalists and citizen media continued to stream real-time footage on social media platforms.
The protests come amid a renewed outcry for justice for victims of last year’s brutal crackdown, which left at least 30 people dead according to human rights watchdogs. This year, demonstrators carried placards bearing the names and faces of the deceased, chanting “Justice for June 25,” and demanding the prosecution of officers responsible for the killings.
“We are not criminals. We are citizens demanding justice. We will not forget what happened last year, and we will not be silenced,” said Lorna Atieno, a 24-year-old university student in Kisumu who joined the protest.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported fresh fatalities and injuries during Tuesday’s demonstrations, although official numbers were yet to be confirmed by press time. Amnesty International Kenya condemned the heavy-handed response, stating, “The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters is a blatant violation of fundamental rights and the Constitution.”
As the evening wore on, protests turned into candlelight vigils in parts of Nairobi and Eldoret, with songs, poetry, and speeches honoring the lives lost and calling for a renewed national conversation on justice, police accountability, and youth representation in governance.
President William Ruto, in a brief televised address, acknowledged the protests but warned against “anarchy and unlawful behavior,” reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining order and security.
Observers now await whether the protests will spark a longer civil movement or lead to meaningful dialogue between the state and civil society. For many young Kenyans, June 25 is no longer just a date—it is a symbol of resistance, remembrance, and resilience.