Two students were fatally shot as Wednesday’s anti-government Gen-Z protests spiralled into chaos, leaving over 400 people injured and igniting national outrage over alleged police brutality and state-sanctioned repression.
In Molo, a Form Three student from Njenga Karume Secondary School was shot dead during a confrontation between demonstrators and police, according to eyewitnesses. Four others sustained injuries—two of them critically—and were rushed to the hospital.
In Juja, Thika Technical Training Institute student Odhiambo Victor Otieno was also shot dead while participating in the protests. Earlier in the day, he had been seen smiling in a purple jersey with his fellow Gen-Z demonstrators in Thika.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned what it termed as widespread violations of rights, including excessive use of force by police, arbitrary arrests, and media censorship.
“The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has been monitoring the demonstrations to mark the first Anniversary of the Gen-Z demonstrations.
The Commission is alarmed by the continuous violations of Human Rights and non-adherence to the rule of law by both state agencies and a select group of citizens,” the statement read.
The commission confirmed eight deaths—all allegedly caused by gunshot wounds—in the counties of Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).
Over 400 individuals were injured in the protests, among them protesters, police officers, and journalists. While many were treated and discharged, 83 required specialised care, and at least eight were confirmed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
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KNCHR also raised the alarm over the arrest of at least 61 individuals—mainly in Nairobi—and expressed concern that some detainees had not been formally booked into police stations.
“The Commission received information of Infiltration of the demonstrations by Criminal Elements and Destruction of Property. Credible reports of ‘hired goons’ infiltrating protests in Eldoret, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kajiado, and Kisumu. These groups have engaged in violence, looting, and property destruction,” the statement added.
An image circulating online allegedly shows goons chasing after protestors in Eldoret, further fueling claims of organised infiltration into otherwise peaceful marches.
On media freedom, the KNCHR took issue with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), which it accused of ordering broadcasters to shut down live coverage and pulling some stations off the air—actions the Commission said were unconstitutional.
“This action directly violates Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which guarantees media freedom and prohibits state interference, as well as Article 35(1)(b), which ensures the public’s right to access information,” statement further read.
The KNCHR stated that it would continue to monitor the situation and encouraged Kenyans to report any human rights violations.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates on the promotion and protection of Human Rights in the country during this period.
As the dust settles, the deaths of two students—young lives lost at the heart of a youth-led protest movement—have come to symbolise the rising cost of civic expression in the country. Demands for justice and accountability are mounting.
By Joseph Mambili
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