Overview

• At least 16 people were killed and over 400 injured on June 25 when commemorative marches in Nairobi, Mombasa and other cities escalated into violent clashes with security forces.
• Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described the unrest as a coordinated coup attempt orchestrated by paid “thugs” and praised police for preventing an assault on Parliament and the presidential residence.
• Amnesty International and a coalition of NGOs documented the use of live ammunition and tear gas against demonstrators across multiple cities.
• Kenya’s communications authority ordered a ban on live media coverage as widespread looting and property destruction were reported in urban centres.
• Protesters decried police violence, government corruption and economic hardship while renewing criticism of President William Ruto’s handling of youth unemployment and public grievances.