Kenya Anniversary Protests Against Finance Bill Turn Deadly, 16 Killed by Police

Kenya witnessed another deadly day of unrest on Tuesday, June 25, as police violently cracked down on peaceful demonstrators commemorating the first anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests. At least 16 people were confirmed dead, and over 400 injured across the country after security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets to disperse crowds.

The protests were organised to honour those who died during last year’s demonstrations and to demand justice for ongoing cases of police brutality, enforced disappearances, and economic hardship. The original protests began in response to the Finance Bill 2024, introduced by President William Ruto’s government, which imposed new taxes on essential goods and services during a severe cost-of-living crisis.

Last year’s protests led to a harsh crackdown that resulted in over 60 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and many arrests. This year, demonstrators gathered with placards and chants calling for police reform, accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights.

The Communications Authority of Kenya ordered a suspension of live television coverage during the protests, affecting major broadcasters such as Citizen TV, KTN, and NTV. This move was widely condemned by media and human rights organisations as an attempt to limit independent reporting and public access to information.

Activists also reported the presence of infiltrators allegedly placed to discredit the protests by engaging in looting and destruction. There were multiple reports of enforced disappearances and police violence in the days leading up to and during the demonstration

Civil society groups and protesters are demanding an independent investigation into the killings and injuries, prosecution of those responsible, restoration of press freedoms, and an end to police brutality.