Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – HAN
Nairobi: Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday under tight security to mark the one-year anniversary of the anti-government protests that climaxed in the storming of parliament and left several dead after police opened fire on demonstrators.
The original protests erupted in mid-2024 in response to proposed tax hikes, which were later withdrawn by President William Ruto amid growing public pressure. However, frustration over the excessive use of force by security agencies has persisted, reigniting demonstrations this month following the death of a blogger while in police custody.
On Tuesday, six individuals—including three police officers—were charged with the murder of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher. All six pleaded not guilty.
Ojwang’s death has become a symbol of continuing public outrage, as many Kenyans still mourn the more than 60 people who were killed during last year’s protests. Many also accuse security forces of being behind numerous unexplained abductions that occurred during that period.
On Wednesday, Reuters witnesses observed anti-riot police restricting vehicular access to Nairobi’s central business district, with major roads heavily guarded. The Ministry of Interior, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), warned protesters not to “provoke police” or “attempt to breach protected areas.”
The violent events of June 25, 2024, when demonstrators broke through barriers and entered parliament under a hail of gunfire, marked the most serious political crisis of President Ruto’s administration and drew international concern over Kenya’s handling of civil unrest.
