Pictures of protesters. Credits Photo by Luis TATO

Anniversary demonstrations in Kenya marking one year since mass anti-government protests erupted into violence on Wednesday, leaving two people dead and several injured amid clashes with security forces.

Thousands of demonstrators, including families of victims from last year’s deadly rallies, gathered in Nairobi and across major towns to protest police brutality, high taxation, and poor governance under President William Ruto. However, the marches quickly turned chaotic, with protesters hurling stones and police deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.

In Matuu, about 100 kilometres from the capital, two people were fatally shot, reportedly by police. In Nairobi, multiple injuries were recorded, including at least one police officer. Protesters accused plainclothes officers of infiltrating the crowd.

“This is about the broken system. We’re tired of oppression,” said protester Florence Achala. Another demonstrator, Anthony, added, “We are marching against everything going wrong in this country.”

Last year’s protests left at least 60 people dead after a crowd stormed parliament over unpopular tax hikes. Human rights groups have since documented more than 80 disappearances of government critics, raising fears of creeping authoritarianism.

The government attempted to suppress Wednesday’s coverage by ordering a media blackout and restricting access to Telegram, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks. Western embassies condemned the reported use of hired thugs, known locally as “goons”, to disrupt peaceful protests.

Despite public backlash and growing disillusionment, Ruto defended police actions, vowing in a speech Tuesday to continue backing security forces. Critics say the president, elected in 2022 on a platform of reform, has failed to deliver economic relief and is instead silencing dissent.