A day meant to honour the memory of lives lost during last year’s deadly anti-government protests has ended in bloodshed once again. What began as a peaceful and symbolic memorial procession on June 25 turned into violent chaos, with at least eight people confirmed dead and over 400 others injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), after police fired live bullets and tear gas on demonstrators in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and other towns across the country.
From Peaceful Tribute to Carnage
The day was marked nationwide as a memorial for victims of the 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations, during which dozens were killed while protesting against rising economic inequality, corruption, and police brutality.
In Nairobi, thousands of youth carrying flowers and placards marched peacefully toward strategic landmarks, including the Dedan Kimathi statue, where some held moments of silence and lit candles for those lost. Among them were bereaved families, many who travelled from rural towns to honour their children, siblings, and friends.
Their mourning, however, was disrupted.
Riot police stormed sections of the city and began dispersing crowds using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and, in some locations, live ammunition. IPOA documented excessive force by police, including use of batons and whips, as well as officers concealing their identity.
Police Escalation and Looting
What followed was a city-wide spiral into chaos. Running battles between police and protestors continued well into the evening. Looting was reported in parts of River Road, Accra Road, OTC and Globe Roundabout in Nairobi.
KNCHR and IPOA both confirmed that criminal elements infiltrated the protests in multiple counties including Nairobi, Eldoret, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Mombasa. These groups engaged in destruction of property and contributed to the violence.
Families of the Fallen Re-traumatized
For families of the 2024 protest victims, the events of June 25, 2025, opened fresh wounds.
Many had joined the memorial walk to pay their respects—only to be met with tear gas and gunfire. KNCHR reported eight fatalities, all from gunshot wounds, in counties including Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).
Medical Emergencies and Detentions
Hospitals in Nairobi reported over 400 injuries, with at least 83 individuals referred for specialised treatment, and eight cases involving gunshot wounds. IPOA confirmed 207 injuries in total and recorded that both civilians and some police officers were injured.
Meanwhile, at least 61 protestors were detained, most of them in Nairobi. IPOA noted with concern that some arrests had not been booked in any police station. Civil society organisations continue to call for the immediate release of those unlawfully detained.
Civil Society Condemns State Crackdown
Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, and Kenya Medical Association jointly confirmed the death toll and serious injuries, calling for restraint from law enforcement. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights condemned arbitrary arrests, excessive force, and violations of freedom of assembly.
The Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of national and grassroots organisations, issued a statement urging the government to urgently address the unfolding crisis and uphold the right to protest.
Media Blackout Decried
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordered a halt to live broadcasts of the protests and de-platformed several media houses, including NTV, KTN, Citizen TV, and K24. Media stakeholders, including the Nation Media Group, Standard Group, and Mediamax, strongly condemned the blackout, citing violations of Article 34 of the Constitution which guarantees media freedom.
Rights organisations such as Haki Africa and Transparency International Kenya have called the CA’s actions unconstitutional and demanded an end to media censorship.
A Nation in Grief, A Call for Justice
As the country reels from the renewed bloodshed, the events of June 25, 2025—meant to honour the memory of protest victims—have instead deepened the trauma.
IPOA has pledged to conduct full investigations and issue actionable recommendations. Human rights defenders are calling for an urgent parliamentary inquiry, criminal prosecutions, and long-term reforms to police oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Until justice is served, the nation remains gripped by the painful question: How many more must die for Kenya to uphold its promise of dignity, freedom, and justice for all?
