The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has been monitoring the demonstrations to mark the first Anniversary of the Gen-Z demonstrations. The Commission is alarmed by the continuous violations of Human Rights and non-adherence to the rule of law by both state agencies and select group of citizens. The Commission monitored demonstrations in at least twenty-three (23) Counties and made the following observations as at 1800hrs on Wednesday 25th June, 2025:
a) Right to life (Article 26) and Right to Freedom & Security of the Person (Article 29):
Fatalities and Injuries have been reported. The KNCHR has received reports of eight (8) fatalities. All deaths allegedly from gunshot wounds in six (6) different Counties namely: two (2) in Machakos, two (2) in Makueni, one (1) in Nakuru, one (1) in Kiambu, one (1) in Uasin Gishu County and one (1) in Nyandarua. The right to life The Commission condoles with families of the deceased.
Over four hundred (400) casualties have been reported including demonstrators, police officers and journalists. Most of them were treated and discharged, eighty-three (83) of them were referred for specialised treatment, eight (8) with gunshot wounds.
b) Arrests and Detentions: At least sixty-one (61) individuals have been detained at different police stations countrywide, most of them in Nairobi County. Further, there have been reported arrests which have not been booked in any police stations.
c) Police and Security Agencies: There was widespread police deployment across various counties. There are allegations of excessive use of force, including the use of rubber bullets, live ammunition and water cannons, resulting in numerous injuries.
d) Right to Property: The Commission received information of Infiltration of the demonstrations by Criminal Elements and Destruction of Property. Credible reports of “hired goons” infiltrating protests in Eldoret, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kajiado and Kisumu. These groups have engaged in violence, looting and property destruction.
e) Freedom of the Media: Infringement of Media freedom was reported. The Commission strongly condemns the directive by the Communications Authority (CA) ordering media houses to stop live broadcasts of the demonstrations and removing some stations from various platforms. This action directly violates Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom and prohibits state interference, as well as Article 35(1)(b), which ensures the public’s right to access information.
The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on the promotion and protection of Human Rights in the country during this period. We call upon anyone with information and Human Rights concerns relating to the demonstrations to share it through-: SMS-22359, Email- complaint@knchr.org and Toll Free Line 0800 720 627.
Haki Kwa Wote Kila Wakati!
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, PhD
Vice Chairperson,
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).