The 2025 Kenyan protests were a series of demonstrations driven by youth activism, primarily in Nairobi, that began on 9 June 2025. The protests were triggered by the death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a blogger and teacher who died in police custody. The protests were fueled by growing public discontent over rising living costs, government corruption, and police brutality. These protests were a continuation of the earlier 2024 protests against the Kenya Finance Bill and further escalated as frustrations with the government mounted.
Background of the Protests
The roots of the 2025 Kenyan protests can be traced back to the Kenya Finance Bill 2024, which proposed significant tax increases. In response, Kenyan citizens took to the streets in large numbers, demanding an end to the proposed hikes. However, protests intensified when Albert Omondi Ojwang, a teacher and social media critic, was arrested on charges of publishing false information. Two days after his arrest, Ojwang died in police custody under suspicious circumstances, sparking outrage and leading to the outbreak of the 2025 protests.
Youth activists led the demonstrations, using social media as a platform to mobilize fellow Kenyans. The protests, however, lacked centralized leadership, which some activists viewed as a strength, while others called for a more organized movement.
Events of the Protests
The first large-scale protests took place on 9 June 2025, primarily in Nairobi, and quickly spread to other regions of Kenya. As protests continued throughout June, tensions between demonstrators and police escalated. On 25 June 2025, thousands of protesters gathered in Nairobi to mark the anniversary of the Kenya Finance Bill protests, commemorating those who had died in previous protests. The demonstration was met with a heavy police crackdown.
By the end of June, at least 65 people had been killed in clashes with police forces, with over 500 people injured. On 30 June, Boniface Kariuki, a bystander and mask vendor, succumbed to injuries after being shot by a police officer in Nairobi. His death was captured on camera and sparked further outrage.
Protests continued until 7 July 2025, which marked Saba Saba Day, the anniversary of the 1990 pro-democracy march. On this day, 41 people were killed in clashes with police, including 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki, who was killed by a stray bullet while watching television at home.
Arrests and Government Crackdown
As the protests grew, the government responded by making over 1,500 arrests. Protesters were charged with terrorism, murder, robbery, and arson, among other charges. Critics, including The Guardian, reported that some of the arrests were random, and that those detained were subjected to high bail amounts, making it difficult for many to secure their release.
In response to the violence, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, described the protests as “terror” and justified the police actions. Meanwhile, police officer Klinzy Baraza was arrested and charged with the murder of Boniface Kariuki, one of the victims of police violence.
International and Civil Society Reactions
The international community and civil society organizations were quick to react to the violence. Amnesty Kenya criticized the government’s proposed legislation aimed at further curtailing the right to assembly. The UN rights office also called on the Kenyan government to show restraint and respect human rights during the protests. Locally, organizations such as the Law Society of Kenya and the International Justice Mission expressed concerns that the arrests and criminal charges against protesters were designed to stifle dissent.
Conclusion
The 2025 Kenyan protests represent a turning point in the country’s history, as they shed light on the deep dissatisfaction with government policies, economic hardships, and police brutality. The youth-led movement continues to highlight the need for accountability, justice, and a more transparent government. The situation remains tense, with ongoing calls for government reforms and an end to the violent treatment of demonstrators.
