• Thousands of young protesters took to the streets on June 25, 2025.
• The protests were a direct response to police brutality and economic hardships.
• At least eight people were killed, with some reports claiming up to 16.
• The government faced backlash for using harsh measures like tear gas and rubber bullets.
• Major civil society organizations have condemned the government’s actions.

Kenya Faces Rising Youth Unrest After Harrowing Events

Kenya is facing a critical juncture, especially with an alarming rise in youth unrest that culminated on June 25, 2025. That day, a wave of protests led predominantly by digitally savvy young people, notably from Generation Z, surged across 23 different counties in the country. They were remembering the brutal anti-tax protests that erupted in 2024, following the tragic death of popular blogger Albert Ojwang only weeks prior, who died while in custody, igniting widespread anger and frustration over issues like police brutality and ongoing economic hardships.

Government Response: Force Versus Dialogue

Reports from both humanitarian organizations and local media revealed a grim outcome: at least eight confirmed deaths due to police action, while other figures have escalated that number to 16. Injuries exceeded 400, with many suffering from gunshot wounds. As the Kenya Medical Association declared this a public health crisis, the state launched a severe crackdown on the protests, employing tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live rounds—a response seemingly designed to intimidate rather than to engage.

Youth as Allies: The Path Ahead for Kenya

In a rather alarming twist, government officials reframed the protests as an attempted coup, labeling the demonstrators as ‘terrorists in disguise.’ This strategy of framing dissent cannot mask the genuine cries for justice and change being voiced by these young citizens. What is unfolding in Kenya is not merely a clash of protestors and police; it’s a monumental moment that the government must either seize as an opportunity for reform or ignore at the peril of further unrest. The eyes of the nation are upon them, and it’s clear that the youth, equipped with digital knowledge and a fervent desire for change, should be viewed as allies in the endeavor for a brighter future, not adversaries that need to be silenced.

Kenya is undoubtedly in a pivotal moment as its youth voice the urgent need for reforms amidst rising frustration and anger. The government’s heavy-handed approach, framed around notions of terrorism, only serves to alienate and unify the young protestors against oppression. As this situation continues to unfold, Kenya must gauge whether it will cater to the demands of its enlightened Generation Z or persist down a path of repression, with dire consequences for both governance and society.