At least 31 killed, 532 arrested in Kenya protests

Nairobi

The death toll from recent anti-government protests in Kenya has risen to at least 31, with over 100 others wounded, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed.

The protests, held nationwide on Monday to mark "Saba Saba Day", a historic day commemorating the 1990 push for multiparty democracy, quickly turned violent, with major clashes in Nairobi and Eldoret.

The KNCHR reported that police, allegedly aided by armed gangs, used excessive force, including live ammunition, against demonstrators. Many protesters were young people demanding economic reforms, lower taxes, and President William Ruto’s resignation.

Alongside 31 deaths and 107 injuries, at least 532 people were arrested. The protests also caused widespread property damage, including supermarket lootings and fires.

According to human rights groups, police ignored court orders restricting their use of force and deployed heavily armed officers using military-grade weapons and unmarked vehicles. The Law Society of Kenya condemned these actions as unconstitutional.

In a strong statement, the United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) urged Kenyan authorities to investigate the killings and hold those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, Kenya’s National Cohesion and Integration Commission criticized the police for using excessive force and called on politicians to avoid fueling ethnic tensions.

Since June 2024, Kenya has seen repeated youth-led protests against corruption, economic hardship, and police brutality. Over 100 people have been killed in the protests so far, including 16 people who died in rallies on June 25 alone.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen last week ordered police to "shoot on sight" anyone approaching police stations during demonstrations.

The government has yet to issue an updated statement on the rising death toll.