Nairobi: At least 38 people lost their lives and 131 were injured during protests across Kenya on Monday, as reported by the country's National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Sunday. The protests, which have been ongoing for over a year, culminated in a violent crackdown that resulted in the highest death toll recorded in a single day.
According to Kuwait News Agency, KNCHR had initially reported 31 deaths earlier in the week but updated the figure following further assessments of the situation. The protests were primarily against President William Ruto, with demonstrators expressing their dissatisfaction with his governance.
The unrest was part of the annual Saba Saba day marches, which commemorate Kenya's pro-democracy uprising. In anticipation, authorities had deployed security forces throughout the country. President Ruto, addressing the nation on Wednesday, issued a stern warning against attempts to overthrow his government, instructing police to take severe measures against looters.
The current wave of protests mirrors the unrest experienced last year, which was ignited by a controversial budget law enacted in June 2024. The law, which raised taxes, was met with widespread opposition, particularly from the youth who had once rallied behind Ruto with hopes of reform, employment opportunities, and improved living standards.