Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets this week to protest soaring living costs, corruption, and police brutality, chanting slogans against President William Ruto. Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons, resulting in the deaths of 31 people and injuring over 107, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, which condemned what it described as “serious violations” and called for accountability.
The United Nations voiced “deep concern” over the excessive use of force, while the Kenyan government escalated its rhetoric, labeling the protests a “coup attempt” and charging 37 detainees with “terrorism.”
Media reports revealed that protest-related deaths since 2023 have now reached 140, amid accusations that a disbanded security unit—previously linked to extrajudicial killings—has resurfaced, despite President Ruto’s earlier pledges to dissolve it.
The unrest reflects growing public frustration, particularly among Generation Z, over unfulfilled promises of economic and security reforms.
