June 25 Gen Z Protests Turn Deadly: 8 Confirmed Dead, Over 100 Injured Across Kenya
Tuesday, June 25, marked one of Kenya’s darkest days as nationwide protests by Gen Zs spiraled into tragedy. At least eight people were confirmed dead and over 100 injured during demonstrations against economic hardship and injustice. The protests, meant to honor victims of the 2023 anti-Finance Bill rallies, were met with police gunfire, triggering outrage across the nation.
Chaos in Matuu: First Fatality Reported
The first death occurred in Matuu, Machakos County. According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), a protester was shot dead while attempting to breach a police station.
“Police opened fire without warning,”
KHRC stated,
“Eight others were injured in the chaos.”
Tragedy at Stima Plaza: Guard Gunned Down
In Nairobi, a security guard stationed at Kenya Power’s Stima Plaza was also killed by a stray bullet at around 4:30 p.m.
“The guard was on duty and not part of the protests,”
Kenya Power confirmed.
“We have initiated investigations with relevant authorities.”
Photos of the fallen guard flooded social media, sparking massive fury.
Mukuru Kwa Njenga: Child and Young Man Shot
The Mukuru Community Justice Centre reported more deaths.
“A young man and a child were fatally shot by police from Villa Station,”
the center claimed.
“They were fleeing, not rioting.”
Pipeline, Nakuru, and Juja: More Bloodshed
In Pipeline, Embakasi, videos showed a man shot and left lying in a pool of blood. His death remains unconfirmed, but he’s believed to be among the fatalities.
Meanwhile, in Nakuru County, a high school student who had joined the protests was shot dead as police tried to scatter the crowd.
“Two others are in critical condition,”
a local medic reported.
“They were rushed to the hospital under heavy gunfire.”
In Juja, disturbing images captured a protester moments before he was shot in the head, bleeding profusely on the street.
Thika Road: Chaos Spills into Mall
Gunfire also erupted at Roasters, Mountain Mall on Thika Road, where a protester was shot. This led to panic and looting at the nearby Naivas Supermarket.
KHRC and Social Media Paint Grim Picture
KHRC confirmed:
“At least 20 people were shot. Eight have died. Over 400 treated for various injuries.”
However, unofficial reports suggest fatalities could be as high as 11.
President Ruto’s senior advisor, Moses Kuria, claimed:
“Four were killed in Nyeri alone.”
Activists and citizens reported more deaths in Emali, Matuu, Kikuyu, Molo, Olkalou, and Ngara, raising alarms over excessive police force.
Public Cries for Justice
The youth are now demanding answers.
“We won’t stop until justice is served,”
a protester in Nairobi shouted,
“They kill us, we shout louder.”ALSO READ: Gachagua’s DCP Slams Police Brutality, Demands Media Freedom and Justice for Victims
June 25 Gen Z Protests Turn Deadly: 8 Confirmed Dead, Over 100 Injured Across Kenya
