A chronology of Kenya’s GenZ protest over the Finance Bill 2024.
The “Gen Z” protests began on 18 June 2024, following the public release of the 2024 Finance Bill and quickly spread from the capital Nairobi to other parts of the country. The protests intensified, leading to violent clashes including deaths and destruction of property. The June 20 protest in Nairobi ended with the death of a young man named Rex Kanyike, Masai. He suffered from a fatal gunshot wound and the subsequent autopsy revealed that he died due to excessive bleeding.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga praised Kenyans who marched to the Central Business District to protest the proposed Finance Bill 2024. Azimio leaders demanded the resignations of Police Inspector General Japheth Koome and Nairobi Commander Adamson Bungei. The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Benson Igonga, directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to probe the death of Rex Masai and forward the file within 21 days.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula directed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to urgently liaise with Inspector General of Police to ascertain the whereabouts of Gabriel Oguda, Policy Analyst in the Office of Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.
On June 25, Supreme Court Chief Justice Martha Koome expressed concern over reports of abductions, emphasising that abductions carried out by unidentified persons without presenting the abducted individuals before a court of law within 24 hours undermines the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism. Chief Justice Koome announced that courts would work extended hours after cases of mysterious abductions surged in less than a week.
According to some sources, the protests prompted police to deploy snipers on rooftops to target the demonstration leaders on June 25. Over 100 demonstrators were injured by gunshot wounds, with more than 10 in critical condition. Amid the chaos, angry protesters set fire to several police vehicles strategically parked across the city centre. Several injured individuals were rushed to Holy Family Basilica, where a makeshift medical clinic provided first aid before they were evacuated to various hospitals in the city.
On June 25, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) received over 120 patients who sustained injuries during the anti-Finance Bill protests. In a development on June 26, KNH received 45 more patients with different injuries as they treated and discharged 72 patients. Doctor Wabwire, Reconstruction Surgeon at KNH confirmed that 6 of those received in the hospital had injuries from live bullets while the rest had injuries from rubber bullets.
On June 25, The LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticised President William Ruto and the government and called on the International Criminal Investigations Authorities (ICIA), professional bodies, and media organisations to voice their opposition to government actions and to help families seek justice for their kin.
On June 26, President William Ruto expressed regret over the murder of 6 protesters and condoled with their families. However, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) Chairperson, Roseline Odede, stated that 23 people were reported to have died, with more than 300 injured in different parts of the country. Ms. Odede also referenced the President’s previous commitment to ending enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
On June 26, the Milimani High Court ordered the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Police Service (NPS) to release all the abducted Kenyans. The court noted that 24 hours had lapsed since the abductions were reported, rendering the detentions unlawful. On the same day, social media activist Gabriel Oguda was freed after reportedly being abducted by persons believed to be police officers.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stated that the violence witnessed was unnecessary and condemned the excessive use of force by police. Gachagua blamed Director General of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Noordin Haji for failing the president by not giving proper updates and called for his resignation pointing out that there was dysfunction in the NIS department. He further pleaded with Gen Zs to withdraw from the ongoing protest and planned one on Thursday, June 27.
On June 26, NARC Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua (running mate of Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga in 2022 elections) emphasised that the destruction of property was carried out by disruptors and not by the peaceful young demonstrators. She alleged that these acts had been orchestrated by supporters who were instructed by authorities. Karua expressed gratitude to the media for their coverage, highlighting that the world had witnessed peaceful demonstrators being unjustly shot by a special squad without provocation. She urged everyone not to give up in the fight for their rights and encouraged Gen Z to continue advocating for justice.
On June 26, according to Citizen TV, one person was reported dead, and more than 18 others were said to be nursing serious gunshot wounds following a night operation by security officers in the Githurai area, Kiambu County. Additionally, 20 police officers were injured when protesters attacked police vehicles. One of the police vans from Mwiki Police Station was also torched. Media spot checks by TV47 in several morgues within Nairobi County disclosed the gruesome way in which the youthful protestors lost their lives. Twenty-five-year- old Erickson Kyallo Mutisya, David Chege, and other unknown bodies were part of the casualties. Autopsy examinations revealed that some died while undergoing treatment for serious injuries.
As of July 6, the New York Times reports that over 30 people have been abducted or arbitrarily detained by Kenyan authorities resulting from their involvement in protests. Some reporting on this figure, including human rights monitors, did so anonymously for their own safety. Among those who spoke out publically are Nation Media Group Columnist Gabriel Ogunda, Doctor Austine Omondi, Personal Assistant to LSK President Ernest Nyerere, Shadrack Kiprono, and Osama Otero.
On July 19, Samuel Ngure’s body, missing since June 23, was identified at the City Mortuary. On July 18, two protesters, Charles Owino and Shaquille Ramsfield Obienge, were identified with gunshot wounds, contradicting earlier reports. The family of Dennis Lubanga, shot by police in Kibwezi, and Joash Ombati’s family, who was killed in Mombasa, mourned and demanded justice and sought financial aid for burial expenses.
OnJuly 23, following the killing of Rex Kanyike Masai by police, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Mulele urged witnesses to provide statements to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), noting the lack of CCTV evidence identifying the shooter. IPOA had indeed faced criticism for weak investigations and insufficient evidence.
Again, from July 17, 2024, press freedom in Kenya faced significant threats during the demonstrations in Nakuru and Kiambu. A veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho was abducted by unknown individuals at Karen Police Station, an act witnessed by police officers. Another journalist Catherine Wanjeri was shot by gun. IPOA began proceedings to address these issues, while the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the shootings and the broader attack on press freedom.
On July 24, Journalists from across the country held peaceful protests, decrying the government’s attempts at stifling press freedom. In Nairobi and in several other counties, aggrieved journalists presented petitions at police headquarters, following increased cases of harassment and even injury of colleagues while on duty.
Continued protests across the country
On July 18, protests expanded across the country, with youth increasingly demanding accountability from county governments. The movement intensified by July 23, with persistent calls for a complete shutdown and the resignation of President Ruto.
On July 18, a section of youth held protests in Siaya County alleging misuse of funds by the County government, demanding an audience with Governor James Orengo. They stated that the county was prioritizing retirees over unemployed youth. In Homa Bay town, several motorcycles and property of unknown value were damaged when two groups of youth clashed.
On July 22, people with disabilities (PWD) called on the police to avoid using excessive force and tear gas on youth protesting peacefully, highlighting that such actions also negatively impact PWDs. They called on President William Ruto to ensure that his new cabinet avoids discrimination against people with disabilities.
On July 23, protests erupted in various regions of Kenya -in Nakuru, Nyanza, Kisumu, and Migori with mixed reactions from residents and heavy police presence. In Nairobi, tensions were high as police patrolled, used tear gas, and bodabodas (motorcycle taxi drivers) were accused of robbery during the protests. In Kakamega County, a fatal incident occurred where one person died, and several others were injured by gunfire after police responded to reports of an officer being overpowered by an angry mob. Tens of protesters were arrested in Kajiado, Kwale, and Kisumu Counties. In Kwale County, three people were arrested shortly after purchasing vuvuzelas (noisemaking trumpets) before embarking on what they termed peaceful protests.
On July 23, IGP Douglas Kanja addressed the ongoing protests across the country, stating that some individuals had exploited the demonstrations to engage in looting and property destruction. Kanja further warned protesters against occupying protected areas, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other sensitive sites. A multi-agency security operation, involving plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles, intensified surveillance along Outering Road, Taj Mall Interchange, Eastern Bypass, Old Airport Road, and a section of the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway to prevent protesters from accessing sensitive areas.
On July 24, leaders from President William Ruto’s stronghold expressed frustration over ongoing demonstrations and called for the president to exercise his constitutional powers. They also called on the youth to wait until the 2027 elections to confront them instead of distrusting the president. The Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) were forced to leave their barracks to assist anti-riot police in quelling protests in a pipeline estate near JKIA. Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, had dismissed reports, including from Kisii Senator Onyoka, that the government intends to sell JKIA to foreign investors.
President Ruto on July 24, 2024 called upon the National Police Service (NPS) to use its mandate responsibly, professionally and effectively in full compliance with the Constitution. All violations by police officers must be handled expeditiously through due process and he assured Kenyans that he led the government in engaging and listening to citizens from all walks of life in different forums. He also called on the courts to release all those wrongfully arrested during the protests, and promised support for those who lost loved ones or had their businesses destroyed. Finally, he outlined measures to tackle corruption in the public sector.
On August 8, Kenyan youths planned a new round of anti-government protests, dubbed ‘Nane Nane,’ inspired by the historic ‘Saba Saba’ demonstrations of the 1990s, which were intended to be peaceful, despite previous protests being marred by violence, looting, and police brutality. On the day of the protests, businesses closed and public transport was disrupted as police set up roadblocks in Nairobi. The new cabinet was sworn in amid heavy security at State House, with President Ruto emphasizing the need for the new team to meet Kenyans’ expectations.
