In Nairobi, the aftermath of deadly protests left the city center in ruins on Thursday. Shop owners began cleaning up their premises after a night of destruction that followed youth-led demonstrations. The protests were sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Ojwang, 31, died after being arrested following a complaint by Kenya's deputy national police chief. He was reportedly beaten in jail, igniting widespread outrage.
Amnesty Kenya reported that 16 people were killed during the demonstrations on Wednesday, all from gunshot wounds. These deaths are suspected to have been caused by police, although Kenyan law enforcement has not confirmed any casualties or shootings. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga did not respond to requests for comment.
The protests saw thousands take to the streets in Nairobi and across 26 other counties. Demonstrators marked the anniversary of last year’s protests, which were also driven by frustration over a proposed tax hike. Those protests, led primarily by youth calling themselves Gen Z, resulted in over 60 deaths in 2024.
In Wednesday’s demonstrations, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Clashes between police and protesters were reported in various towns. Several protesters were seen injured. The outrage continues to build, with many Kenyans demanding accountability, transparency, and meaningful dialogue with the younger generation who are driving the protests.
Prosecutors have taken action in the case of Albert Ojwang’s death by approving murder charges against six people, including three police officers. All six have pleaded not guilty. The charges mark a significant move by the authorities amid intense public scrutiny.
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Thursday morning in downtown Nairobi painted a grim picture. At least 10 buildings were still smouldering from fires set the night before. Shop owners faced the devastating reality of their losses, with charred property and stolen goods adding to the nation’s economic strain.
One affected business owner, Ibrahim Hamisi, whose building was burned, urged the government to talk to the Gen Z protesters instead of using force. "This happened because of Gen Z. So the Gen Z, try to sit down and talk with the government," he pleaded.
Another shopkeeper, Josephine Apondi, said looters stole around 2 million shillings ($15,500) worth of electronics from her shop. "Things are so tough in our country right now. Sometimes we come morning until evening and we have not sold. And to remember this is something you have invested in for so long," she lamented.
The protests have extended beyond Nairobi, with reports of looting and destruction in 26 other counties. The scale of unrest reflects deep frustration among young Kenyans, who see themselves as fighting against years of government inaction, rising poverty, and abuse of power.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty Kenya, have condemned the state’s response to the protests. The group's executive director, Irungu Houghton, confirmed that the 16 victims from Wednesday died from gunshot wounds. This highlights a troubling pattern of police violence during demonstrations.
The ongoing crisis presents a serious test for Kenyan leadership. With youth at the center of the movement, their demands for justice, reform, and meaningful dialogue cannot be ignored.
As pressure mounts on the government, Kenyans across the nation are calling for accountability, particularly within the police force. The hope remains that this tragedy could open the door to genuine reform and healing.
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