Kenya protesters demand justice on anniversary of deadly 2024 unrest
Roadblocks sealed central Nairobi as families marched for justice, two years after anti-finance bill protests left at least 60 people dead and parliament stormed.
Police sealed off key roads into central Nairobi on Thursday and set up roadblocks around the capital as families and activists marched on the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-finance bill demonstrations.
The June 25, 2024 anti-finance bill demonstrations escalated into nationwide violence, culminating in protesters storming parliament. Human rights groups have accused police of unlawful and lethal force, while the families of some of those killed are still waiting for answers and accountability.
Central Nairobi was largely deserted under heavy security, with commuters stranded as officers blocked access into the city center. Demonstrators sought justice for more than 80 people killed during the 2024 unrest and the following year’s anniversary protests.
The 2024 demonstrations were driven by anger over proposed tax hikes, the cost of living and broader frustration with corruption and poor governance. Amnesty counted at least 60 deaths. In response to the unrest, the High Court in Malindi issued temporary orders restricting security agencies from using lethal and other less-lethal ammunition against peaceful protesters.
On June 25, 2025, at least eight people were killed in protest violence, while Amnesty Kenya counted 16 deaths in the nationwide demonstrations that day. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights counted at least 19 deaths on the 2025 anniversary, along with 15 forced disappearances and several allegations of sexual violence.
Amnesty International deployed protest observers and accused police of arbitrary arrests and unlawful force during youth-led anniversary protests on June 25.
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