Kenya’s Interior Minister has rejected accusations that police used excessive force during anti-government protests on Wednesday, which left at least 10 people dead and hundreds injured. Kipchumba Murkomen defended the police response, calling the unrest “terrorism disguised as dissent” and describing it as an “unconstitutional attempt” to topple the government.
Speaking in the aftermath of one of the deadliest days of protest in recent Kenyan history, Murkomen praised security forces for their “remarkable restraint amid extreme provocation,” claiming their efforts helped “foil an attempted coup.”
The protests, marking the anniversary of a previous wave of deadly demonstrations, erupted across major cities as thousands of citizens voiced anger over economic hardship, alleged police brutality, and President William Ruto’s leadership. Many chanted “Ruto must go,” waving tree branches to symbolise non-violence. Despite the peaceful message from demonstrators, the protests descended into chaos, with widespread reports of police shootings and violence.
According to the government, over 400 people were injured in the unrest, including nearly 300 police officers. Murkomen said key government offices and installations were targeted, with nine police stations attacked—five of which were set ablaze. Dozens of vehicles, both private and official, were destroyed, and five firearms were reportedly stolen.
Human rights organisations, however, have sharply condemned the government’s stance. Amnesty International put the death toll at 16 and reported that all victims had suffered gunshot wounds. The Law Society of Kenya accused the police of “unnecessary aggression and brute force,” which it said resulted in the “senseless loss of life.”
Among the victims were teenagers David Mwangi, 19, and Dennis Njuguna, 17. David was shot in the head in Nairobi’s Mukuru informal settlement while trying to pick up his younger brother from a tuition class. His mother, Rachael Nyambura Mwangi, described him as her “helper” and said he had hoped to study mechanics in college. “I am in so much pain,” she said through tears. “He was my first-born. Whenever I needed anything, I sent him.”
Dennis Njuguna was gunned down in the town of Molo, northwest of Nairobi, shortly after school. “I don’t know if he was among the protesters or hit by a stray bullet,” said his mother, Jecinta Gathoni. “My child was still young, he was in his final year of school. I had so much hope in him.”
Wednesday’s protests also triggered a government-imposed media blackout, with a ban on live TV and radio coverage—later overturned by the Nairobi High Court. Rights groups and legal advocates warned that the attempt to silence coverage was a dangerous infringement on press freedom.
Murkomen announced that investigations into the violence and the full death toll are ongoing, but critics argue that accountability must follow swiftly. As public anger mounts, the government faces growing pressure to explain the use of lethal force, provide justice for the victims, and restore confidence in law enforcement.
Wednesday’s events have reignited fears of escalating political unrest in a country with a long, painful history of protest violence.
Melissa Enoch
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