Windhoek, June 26 — One year ago, Kenyans took to the streets to voice and protest against the removal of subsidies and rising taxes. Protesters voiced the removal of subsidies and rising taxes as the country’s debt crisis looms.
In 2024 Kenyans went to protest against:
Soaring costs of living: The government’s removal of subsidies on basic products like fuel and maize flour has been criticized.
Alleged electoral malpractice: Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s loss in the 2022 elections has led to discontent.
Government decisions: The government’s decision to proceed with a new tax law opposed by a majority of Kenyans has also fueled the protests.
IMF-backed bill The demonstrations, largely led by Gen Z youth, were sparked by public outrage over police brutality and the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.
In 2025, Right now, in Kenya, a lot of young people are protesting because they’re frustrated. Prices are high, jobs are scarce, and there’s growing anger over police mistreatment, police brutality, especially after someone recently died in police custody and after a police officer shot a mask vendor at close range for simply just existing.
Some of the protests turned violent, and over 10 people were killed. In response, the government has blocked Telegram and stopped live news coverage of the demonstration. Roads around key government buildings are locked down.
