16 people were killed during anti-government protests across Kenya on Wednesday, most of them by police, Amnesty International has confirmed.
Citing data from Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Executive Director Irungu Houghton said the deaths verified by 8:30pm on Wednesday included five shootings.
“Police killed most,” said Houghton.
KNCHR earlier reported eight deaths, all suspected to be caused by gunfire.
The commission said it documented reports of excessive police force, including the use of rubber bullets, live rounds and water cannons, resulting in the injuries of more than 400 people, including protesters, journalists and police officers.
“Over 400 casualties have been reported, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists,” KNCHR said in a statement on X.
The demonstrations marked the anniversary of last year’s deadly protests over the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which saw more than 60 people killed and protesters storming Parliament.
Thousands of Kenyans joined demonstrations in various parts of the country, with the largest turnout reported in the capital, Nairobi. Police in the city used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Confrontations between protesters and security forces were reported in several areas.
There were also reports of disruptions to live media coverage, with local broadcasters taken off air after defying a directive to stop airing the demonstrations.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), meanwhile, reported treating 107 people, most suffering from gunshot wounds. However, no deaths were reported at the facility.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), on the other hand, also revealed that 61 people had been arrested during the demonstrations.
Despite the rising death toll and mounting evidence of police violence, the Kenyan government has yet to respond publicly to the claims of fatalities or the accusations of excessive force.
