Where Lives Were Lost: A Grim Toll

Bloody Wednesday: 11 Killed, Over 400 Injured in June 25 Protests Across Kenya 

Nairobi, June 25, 2025. What started as a nationwide demonstration against injustice, corruption, and poor leadership turned deadly as violent crackdowns made June 25 one of the darkest days in Kenya’s recent history.

According to Citizen Digital, at least 11 people died, over 400 were injured, and 61 were arrested during brutal confrontations between protesters and security forces in various towns and cities.

The protest, mainly organized by Gen Z activists and civil society groups, aimed to mark the anniversary of last year’s Gen Z uprising. Instead, it highlighted the ongoing tension between the state and its citizens.

Where Lives Were Lost: A Grim Toll 

The deaths were reported in multiple locations: 

Matuu – 2 deaths 

Emali – 2 deaths 

Ongata Rongai – 1 death 

Embakasi – 1 death 

Juja – 1 death 

Kikuyu – 1 death 

Molo – 1 death 

Ol Kalou – 1 death 

Ngara – 1 death 

Many of the victims, according to eyewitnesses, were unarmed and peacefully demonstrating when police opened fire or used tear gas at close range. In Matuu and Emali, protest scenes quickly intensified after alleged plainclothes officers and armed men clashed with the crowd.

Over 400 Injured, Hospitals Overwhelmed 

Health facilities across Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, and Nakuru counties reported being overwhelmed by a surge of casualties. This included minors, journalists, and elderly bystanders caught in the chaos.

“We treated young people with gunshot wounds, broken limbs, and severe exposure to tear gas,” said a medic at Kenyatta National Hospital. “It was a war zone.”

Among the injured are over a dozen university students, a pregnant woman, and two activists reportedly in critical condition.

61 Arrested, Including Protest Organizers 

Security agencies confirmed the arrest of 61 individuals during the protests. Several were held at undisclosed locations before legal aid groups intervened.

Lawyers from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Amnesty International Kenya are pursuing urgent legal action, calling the arrests unlawful and demanding the immediate release of peaceful protesters.

Nation Reacts With Shock and Outrage 

News of the deaths and injuries sparked national grief and anger. Social media filled with hashtags like #JusticeForJune25, #WeAreNotThugs, and #StopKillingKenyans.

Political leaders, clergy, and international observers condemned the excessive use of force.

“Kenyans were killed for raising their voices. That is not democracy. That is dictatorship,” tweeted a prominent opposition senator.

Diplomatic missions, including those of the EU, UK, and US, issued statements urging the Kenyan government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and conduct transparent investigations into the killings.

A Nation at the Crossroads 

The events of June 25, 2025, have reminded many of past state violence and sent a chilling message to young Kenyans trying to reclaim their democracy.

 

While the government has not yet provided a detailed response, Kenyans are calling for accountability, justice for the victims, and an end to the criminalization of peaceful protest.

 

As one placard at the Ngara protest stated: 

“We’re bleeding not because we’re wrong—but because we dared to speak.”