Tinotenda Hove/ Reuters – NAIROBI, June 25 – Kenya is reeling from the aftermath of violent nationwide protests sparked by public outrage over President William Ruto’s controversial tax bill. At least sixteen people lost their lives on Wednesday, with human rights groups alleging most were shot dead by police.

The protests, which swept across major cities including Nairobi, marked the anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations that claimed over 60 lives and culminated in the storming of Parliament. This year, thousands returned to the streets, determined to voice their anger over what many see as an oppressive and economically punishing tax regime.

“This was a massacre,” said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, in a statement to Reuters. “As of 8:30 a.m., we have verified 16 deaths. Most were killed by police. At least five of them died from gunshot wounds.”

The death toll was corroborated by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which has been working closely with Amnesty to monitor the situation on the ground. KNCHR also reported that more than 400 people had been injured, including protesters, police officers, and journalists.

In a public statement shared on its official X account, KNCHR said: “There has been widespread use of excessive force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition and water cannons. The result has been devastating.”

Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital, the largest public medical facility in the country, confirmed it had received dozens of wounded individuals. A hospital official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that emergency wards were overwhelmed.

Despite mounting evidence and public outcry, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the reported fatalities or allegations of brutality.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), a state watchdog, acknowledged the unrest and confirmed that at least 61 protesters had been arrested.

What began as an expression of discontent over taxation has evolved into a broader movement, especially among the youth, who accuse Ruto’s administration of deepening inequality and ignoring the voice of ordinary citizens.

“This government doesn’t listen,” shouted one protester in Nairobi, holding a placard that read ‘We are not your slaves!’ “We are tired of paying for their greed.”

With tensions high and public anger unrelenting, Kenyans are demanding accountability, justice for the slain, and a complete review of the tax policy that has brought thousands to the brink.