Eight Killed, Hundreds Injured in Kenya Youth Protests Across 23 Counties

Nationwide protests in Kenya, led largely by young people including many from Generation Z, have resulted in at least eight deaths and over 400 injuries amid demonstrations against police brutality, economic hardship, and poor governance, coinciding with the anniversary of last year's deadly anti-tax bill protests. Thousands marched in major cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Eldoret, with police responding using tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and live ammunition. The government attempted to ban live media coverage, but the High Court in Nairobi overturned this order, allowing broadcasts to continue. Human rights groups and professional bodies condemned the violence and called for accountability, highlighting that no police officers had yet been held responsible for past abuses, including the suspicious death of a popular blogger in custody. President William Ruto urged protesters to maintain peace, warning that violence would be met with force, while demonstrators continued to express frustration and call for significant police reforms and justice for victims. Medical facilities reported being overwhelmed with casualties, including protesters, police officers, and journalists, as the unrest reflects deepening public dissent against Ruto's government.