On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Kenya erupted in violence as nationwide protests left at least 16 dead and over 400 injured, a grim nod to last year’s anti-government clashes. What began as outrage over a 2024 tax hike proposal has morphed into a full-throated rebellion against police brutality, corruption, and economic mismanagement.
The Spark: 2024’s Tax Revolt Last year, President William Ruto’s government pushed a finance bill slapping a 16% VAT on bread and medical services and a 25% duty on cooking oil to tackle Kenya’s $80 billion debt. With inflation skyrocketing and jobs scarce, the nation’s youth dubbed “Gen Z” said enough. Social media fury exploded into street protests, culminating in an attack on parliament that shut down its sessions. The bill was scrapped, but the root issues corruption, police impunity, and economic despair festered.
Why It’s Kicking Off Again?:
The death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger, in police custody on June 8, 2025, reignited the fire. Cops claimed suicide; an independent autopsy screamed assault. Public rage boiled over. These leaderless, Gen Z-driven protests are a nightmare for authorities, who can’t pin down a figurehead to silence. The youth demand police reform, economic relief, and a voice feeling betrayed by a government they see as aloof and self-serving.
The 2024 Bloodbath: The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights pegged last year’s death toll at 60, with hundreds injured. Amnesty International flagged over 600 arrests, rampant use of live ammo, and reports of torture and abductions. It was a brutal wake-up call.
What’s Next? : Kenya’s Gen Z isn’t backing down. Without real reforms cracking down on police excesses and fixing the economy these young rebels will keep the streets burning. The government’s on notice: ignore them at your peril.
