By Ephraim Agbo
Exactly one year after one of Kenya’s darkest civic moments, the country’s streets are once again filled with chants, signs, and solemn silence.
Across Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, and other cities, protesters have gathered to mark the anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, which ended in a violent crackdown that left dozens dead and hundreds injured. But this time, the protests go beyond just remembrance—they are also a renewed cry for justice, accountability, and reform.
Let’s unpack why Kenyans are back in the streets, what they are asking for, and where the conversation stands.
🕯️ Remembering June 25, 2024
On this date last year, thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to protest the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed tax hikes on essential goods and services. The demonstrations culminated in a march on Parliament, and what followed was one of the most violent government responses in recent memory.
- At least 60 people were killed, according to human rights organizations.
- Hundreds were injured, and many more detained or allegedly disappeared.
- The protests ultimately forced President William Ruto to withdraw the bill.
Although the bill was defeated, many believe the structural issues behind the unrest remain unresolved—economic hardship, police brutality, and youth disenfranchisement.
🔥 What Reignited the Movement in 2025?
While June 25 was always going to be a significant day for remembrance, events earlier this month gave it new urgency.
The Death of Albert Ojwang
- On June 6, 2025, Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger, was arrested in Nairobi.
- Two days later, he was pronounced dead in police custody.
- Initially ruled a suicide, a post-mortem report later showed signs of blunt force trauma, internal bleeding, and neck compression.
- Three police officers and three civilians have since been charged with his murder.
His death sparked widespread anger, especially among young Kenyans, and became a rallying point for renewed protests—fueled by the belief that Ojwang’s fate reflects a broader pattern of state violence and impunity.
📈 Broader Grievances
While Ojwang’s case is a clear flashpoint, today’s protests reflect a combination of long-standing issues:
1. Economic Pressure
- Despite the withdrawal of the 2024 Finance Bill, prices for fuel, electricity, and basic commodities remain high.
- Youth unemployment remains a critical issue.
- Critics say government borrowing and taxation policies continue to burden ordinary citizens.
2. Police Conduct
- Allegations of police brutality have persisted over the years, particularly during demonstrations and in marginalized communities.
- While some officers have been prosecuted, many Kenyans feel reforms have been superficial or slow-moving.
3. Media Restrictions and Freedom of Expression
- In the lead-up to this year’s anniversary, Kenya’s Communications Authority banned live coverage of the protests on mainstream TV and radio.
- Outlets like NTV and Citizen TV were temporarily taken off air.
- Protesters view these actions as an attempt to suppress public discourse and limit government accountability.
✊ Who Is Leading the Movement?
This year’s protests have been largely youth-led, especially by Kenya’s Gen Z population. What sets this movement apart:
- No centralized leadership: The protests are decentralized, organized through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and TikTok.
- Crowdfunded efforts: Participants have been raising bail funds and legal support through mobile money platforms like M-Pesa.
- Digital documentation: Protesters are actively recording events, reporting injuries, and verifying information in real-time.
This digital-first approach has allowed the movement to bypass traditional gatekeepers and maintain momentum, despite mainstream media limitations.
🚨 What’s Happening on the Ground?
As of today:
- Protests are ongoing in multiple cities.
- In Nairobi, clashes have erupted between protesters and security forces.
- At least 300 injuries have been reported nationwide, according to local hospitals.
- Three fatalities have been confirmed—two from gunshot wounds in the town of Matuu.
- Roads to major government buildings, including Parliament and State House, have been barricaded with razor wire.
- Dozens of arrests have been made, though exact figures vary by region.
Human rights groups have called for restraint on all sides, while the government has emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order.
📣 Protesters' Demands
The core demands, according to organizers and supporters, include:
- Justice for Albert Ojwang and victims of police violence
- Prosecutions of officers involved in unlawful killings
- Economic reforms that prioritize job creation and affordability
- Freedom of expression, media, and peaceful assembly
- A formal inquiry into the events of June 25, 2024
🧠What Comes Next?
That’s uncertain.
The government has promised to investigate Ojwang’s death thoroughly, and several arrests have been made. But whether this results in convictions or broader reform remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, international observers, including the U.S., U.K., and Amnesty International, have urged Kenya to respect human rights and ensure accountability.
Protesters say they’ll continue until their voices are not just heard—but acted upon.
🗨️ Final Thoughts
While emotions are understandably high, the issues at hand deserve careful attention.
The return to the streets in 2025 is not just about the past. It’s about the kind of future Kenyans—especially young Kenyans—want to build. At its heart, this is a demand not just for justice, but for dignity.
And as Kenya navigates this moment, both its people and its leaders have a chance to choose a path that prioritizes healing, truth, and real reform over conflict and silence.
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