Kenyan activists detained honouring June protest victims

Kenyan police detained several individuals on Thursday as they attempted to present a petition to the president’s office and lay flowers in memory of those killed during the most violent day of recent anti-government protests. Among those detained was Boniface Mwangi, a well-known activist involved in the demonstrations.

Hanifa Adan, one of the protesters, reported on X that several parents of victims from the June 25 protests were also among those detained. A police spokesperson stated they would look into the reported detentions when contacted by Reuters.

Social media videos posted by activists captured the marchers just before their arrest, showing them carrying white crosses stained with red and chanting, “We are peaceful!” The demonstrators were demanding justice for those who lost their lives in the protests.

Since mid-June, over 50 people have died in protests against tax hikes proposed by President William Ruto, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The KNCHR also reported nearly 700 arbitrary detentions and 59 cases of abductions or disappearances related to the unrest.

Activist Wanjira Wanjiru vowed that the deaths of the protesters would not be in vain and condemned the violence against those exercising their right to protest. Despite Ruto’s withdrawal of the tax legislation and cabinet reshuffle following the violent incidents, demonstrations continue, with many calling for his resignation and criticising his new cabinet appointments.

Ruto has defended his administration and pledged to investigate alleged police abuses during the protests. On Thursday, he nominated Douglas Kanja, an experienced career police officer, to lead the national police service.