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Kenyans are expected to hold large protests on Wednesday, marking one year since the 2024 anti-government demonstrations that ended with a deadly storming of parliament. That day, police opened fire on crowds, leading to the deaths of more than 60 people and widespread public outrage.
Last year’s protests began after the government, led by President William Ruto, introduced controversial tax hikes. After weeks of unrest and growing anger, President Ruto withdrew the proposed taxes, causing the protests to lose momentum. However, tensions between citizens and security forces have remained high, especially over the use of excessive force by police during those demonstrations.
The situation has worsened in recent weeks after the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody. His case has renewed public anger and reignited protests across the country. Ojwang’s death has become a symbol of police brutality in Kenya and a reminder of those who died during last year’s protests.
On Tuesday, six individuals, including three police officers, were formally charged with the murder of Ojwang. All of them pleaded not guilty. An autopsy revealed that Ojwang died from injuries consistent with assault, contradicting earlier police claims that he had taken his own life. The police chief has since apologized for the misleading statement. President Ruto also addressed the incident, calling Ojwang’s death “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” and admitted that the police were responsible.
With tensions running high, Kenyan authorities are preparing for possible unrest during Wednesday’s protests. A heavy police presence is expected in downtown Nairobi, especially around key areas like the State House, parliament, and the central business district. The Interior Ministry has warned protesters not to provoke police or try to enter restricted zones.
Rights groups and international observers have voiced concern about the security forces’ approach. On Tuesday, the embassies of the United States, Britain, Canada, and other Western countries released a joint statement urging calm. They called on the Kenyan government to allow peaceful protests and to stop using violence against demonstrators.
The statement also criticized the use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles, saying it damages public trust. This method was widely used during last year’s protests and drew heavy criticism from human rights organizations.
In addition, the embassies expressed concern about reports of hired individuals attacking peaceful protesters. Last week, journalists saw men armed with sticks and whips beating demonstrators in Nairobi. These attackers, believed to be government-linked counter-protesters, claimed they were not “goons” but citizens protecting property from looters.
Two police officers have already been arrested in connection with the recent shooting of an unarmed protester during a demonstration over Ojwang’s death. The arrests and ongoing investigations are being closely watched by the public, who are demanding accountability and justice.
As Kenya prepares to mark this emotional anniversary, many citizens hope the protests will remain peaceful and that the government will listen to their demands for justice, reform, and respect for human rights. The memory of last year’s violence still lingers, and the events of this week could shape the future of how protests are handled in the country