Gen Z Anniversary: Tension Escalates as Protesters March to Central Police Station, Teargas Fired
- Protesters returned to the streets in large numbers, marking one year since the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations
- Chaos erupted outside Central Police Station in Nairobi as crowds chanted and tried to force their way in, prompting police to fire tear gas
- At least seven people were confirmed dead in various counties as violence escalated, while President William Ruto called for peace and national unity
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Kenyans have returned to the streets in large numbers, exactly one year after the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024 that left several young people dead.
Source: Twitter
The protests have picked up notable momentum, especially in Nairobi and Nakuru counties, where many demonstrators are voicing frustrations with a government they accuse of ignoring their cries.
In the capital, tensions quickly escalated outside the Central Police Station, becoming one of the main flashpoints of the day.
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Protestors attempt to storm Central Police Station
According to videos seen by TUKO.co.ke, a crowd of protestors gathered at the station’s gate, chanting resistance songs and making loud demands.
The scene grew increasingly chaotic as the sheer number of demonstrators appeared to overwhelm the police officers stationed there.
In response, the police lobbed teargas canisters in an attempt to disperse the crowd, triggering panic.
Protestors were seen fleeing in different directions as clouds of gas filled the air.
The Central Police Station has remained under sharp public scrutiny in recent days, since the death of popular X influencer and blogger Albert Ojwang, who died while in police custody.
Ojwang had been arrested at his home in Homa Bay and transported to Nairobi, where he was locked up at the station.
Following his death, disturbing reports later surfaced alleging that he had been physically abused while in custody.
It was claimed that he was severely beaten in the cells before being rushed to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was declared dead.
How many people died in the June 25 protests?
The protests spiralled into violence as clashes between demonstrators and police escalated in several towns.
In Machakos county, two people died, including one protester in Matuu who succumbed to abdominal gunshot wounds shortly after being rushed to hospital.
Police allegedly opened fire when demonstrators attempted to storm Matuu Police Station.
Julius Makau, a hospital administrator, confirmed that one victim died from excessive bleeding and that another had already passed away by the time medics arrived at a second facility.
Makueni county also recorded two fatalities, both victims of gunshot wounds who died upon arrival at the hospital.
In Eldoret, another protester reportedly died, though police have not officially confirmed the incident. A fatal confrontation also occurred in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua county, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to seven.
Among the victims was a Form Three student from Njenga Karume Secondary School in Molo, Nakuru County. He was fatally shot during a scuffle with police, and four others sustained serious injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals.
In Nairobi, two protesters were rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital with serious gunshot wounds following clashes in the city.
Source: Getty Images
What did William Ruto say about the protests?
In a related development, President William Ruto addressed the nationwide protests while on a condolence visit in Dabaso, Kilifi County.
The president acknowledged public frustrations and appealed for peace and unity, urging Kenyans to focus on building the country instead of engaging in violent confrontations.
He reiterated that his administration remains committed to development, listing job creation, healthcare, and food security as top priorities.
Ruto also reminded citizens that despite political differences, the nation’s stability must come first. He urged peaceful demonstrations, warning against the destruction of property and lawlessness.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
