At least eight people were confirmed dead and over 400 injured following violent protests across Kenya on Wednesday, marking the one-year anniversary of the deadly 2024 demonstrations.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group, and the Kenya Medical Association expressed their sorrow.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the eight protesters who lost their lives,” the groups said.

Medical teams reported that 83 of the injured were referred for specialized treatment, including at least eight people with gunshot wounds.

Three police officers were also among the injured. While these figures have been verified by doctors and human rights monitors, they warned that the final numbers may rise.

The protests, which took place in at least 23 counties, had been organized to mark the June 25, 2024, demonstrations, when more than 60 people were killed during public unrest over tax hikes and economic hardship. That unrest reached a peak when thousands stormed Kenya’s Parliament.

Although Wednesday’s demonstrations began peacefully, tensions rose in several areas. Groups of protesters clashed with police, threw stones, and called for President William Ruto’s resignation. Many schools and businesses remained closed amid fears of renewed violence.

While some civil society groups had encouraged peaceful marches, others urged citizens to occupy State House, referring to the president’s official residence.

Security forces blocked major roads into Nairobi’s business district, and government buildings were barricaded with razor wire.

In a controversial move, the government directed TV and radio stations to stop live coverage of the protests.

However, later that evening, the High Court ordered the Communications Authority of Kenya to restore signals to NTV, KTN, and K24, three stations that defied the directive.

Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the media blackout posed a threat to constitutional freedoms.

“I am satisfied that the petition raises serious constitutional issues, including possible violations of the Bill of Rights and freedom of the press,” he said.

Rights groups have urged both protesters and law enforcement to exercise restraint to prevent further loss of life.