Kenya in Turmoil: 7 Unsettling Causes Behind Nationwide Protests

One year after the historic anti‑tax protests that claimed more than 60 lives, Kenya is erupting again.

Thousands of mainly young demonstrators have marched in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu and other towns, voicing outrage over police brutality, economic pressure and the recent custodial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.

The Finance Bill Fallout Revisited

The latest wave of protests across Kenya marks a poignant and politically charged anniversary. One year ago, in 2024, the country was rocked by mass demonstrations triggered by the controversial Finance Bill—a legislative proposal that introduced sweeping tax hikes on everyday essentials. The public backlash was immediate and fierce, culminating in the storming of Kenya’s parliament, one of the most dramatic expressions of civil unrest in the country’s recent history. The chaos left over 60 people dead, prompting widespread condemnation of police brutality and governmental inaction.

Fast forward to 2025, and the wounds from that national trauma remain fresh. The protests this year were not just a spontaneous reaction to a new grievance; they were a deliberate revisitation of the unresolved pain and outrage from the previous year. Marchers flooded Nairobi’s central business district and other urban centers, chanting slogans like “Stop killing us” and “End police impunity”—rallying cries that echo the anguish and defiance of 2024. Many demonstrators carried placards bearing the names of the deceased, while others held candlelight vigils in public squares, honoring the lives lost during last year’s unrest.

The symbolism was unmistakable: these protests served both as a memorial and as a warning. By drawing attention back to the Finance Bill and its deadly consequences, protesters aimed to hold the government accountable—not just for its economic policies, but for its treatment of dissent. The lingering frustration is compounded by the perception that no significant reforms have been implemented since the tragedy, especially in terms of police accountability and public engagement on fiscal legislation.

In this way, the Finance Bill of 2024 has become more than a legislative footnote—it’s now a flashpoint for Kenya’s ongoing struggles with governance, civic rights, and economic justice.

2. Death of Albert Ojwang in Custody

The June 8 death of blogger‑teacher Albert Ojwang reignited grievance over extrajudicial police violence :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

His autopsy revealed assault, not suicide, prompting public anger and fresh calls for police accountability.

3. Police Brutality and Live Ammunition Use

Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons and live rounds.

Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least eight fatalities, while Amnesty Kenya put the death toll nationwide at sixteen :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

4. Youth and Gen Z-Led Mobilisation

This wave is driven by Gen Z activists using social media to organise decentralized marches demanding reform, transparency and justice :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

They stand at the heart of a renewed struggle against perceived state neglect.

5. Economic Hardship and Rising Cost of Living

High inflation, youth unemployment and stagnant wages continue to burden households.

Protesters describe the government’s economic approach as “betrayal,” echoing the same fiscal grievances from 2024 :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

6. Government and Media Censorship

Authorities imposed a media blackout on live protest coverage and temporarily suspended TV broadcasts :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Such measures are widely criticised as violations of free speech and democratic norms.

7. Persistent Impunity and Lack of Reform

Despite earlier pledges after the 2024 protests, many arrested officers remain unprosecuted.

Only six officers were charged in Ojwang’s death, while broader systemic reforms remain unimplemented :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

What Happens Next?

President Ruto urged calm and called on protesters to avoid violence.

But rights groups say that lasting trust requires accountability, transparent economic policy and comprehensive police reform.

The next few days will test whether dialogue or further conflict emerges.

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