Kenya's Second Anniversary Anti-Government Protests Turn Violent; Over 350 Arrested

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Thursday, June 25, 2026, to commemorate the second anniversary of the 2024 anti-government protests that claimed at least 60 lives. The commemoration quickly descended into clashes between police and demonstrators, resulting in over 350 arrests and dozens of injuries across multiple regions. Police mounted a large security operation in the capital, Nairobi, establishing checkpoints on major highways, sealing off the parliamentary precinct with barricades, and enforcing an effective lockdown of the central business district. Shops closed, public transport halted, and movement was severely restricted as authorities sought to prevent demonstrators from reaching the city centre.

The 2024 protests erupted in response to proposed tax increases amid rising cost of living and were marked by a dramatic moment when thousands of young Kenyans stormed Parliament, forcing legislators to reject the tax legislation. Police opened fire outside the building, killing dozens of demonstrators. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 60 people died and 66 others went missing during the 2024 unrest. Thursday's violence spread across several counties, with running battles reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Bungoma, and Nyeri. Police deployed tear gas and fired warning shots to disperse crowds throughout the country.

Government officials characterized the arrests as necessary responses to criminal activity exploiting the guise of peaceful protest. Cabinet Secretary Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen reported that 355 individuals were arrested, with Nairobi accounting for 161 arrests, Kajiado 123, and Kiambu 36. Suspects face charges including robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads, and attempted theft. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured the public that the nation remained safe, urging citizens to continue daily activities and cooperate with law enforcement.

Thursday's anniversary protests were driven by families of victims seeking justice and compensation. The government announced a $15 million compensation program for those harmed during the 2024 demonstrations, though only a fraction of affected families have received payments. Edith Wanjiku, whose 19-year-old son Ibrahim Kamau died from gunshot wounds near Parliament, stated that just two of ten families whose children were shot that day have been compensated. Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, former Justice Minister Martha Karua, and former Supreme Court President David Maraga, participated in commemorative marches and laid flowers at the parliamentary barricades.

Activists and victims' families called for transparency in the compensation process and demanded accountability. Some victims' relatives rejected the government's framing of compensation as non-admission of culpability, insisting that justice requires criminal prosecution of police officers responsible for deaths. President William Ruto acknowledged the previous week that protesters have a right to demonstrate but warned against anyone attempting to "paralize the country" or exploit protests to cause chaos and destroy property. Three police officers have been charged in connection with protester deaths. The compensation panel indicated Wednesday that the process remained ongoing and that verified claims would be paid.