Documentations by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Midrift Hurinet, and other human rights networks across the country have revealed the strategies the government used to suppress online protesters during demonstrations on June 25, 2025, demanding justice for Kenyans killed in the 2024 Gen Z protests.
The Agencies said the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued an unlawful directive to halt live media coverage of the demonstrations.
In defiance of the order, KTN, K24, and NTV continued broadcasting, prompting CA to retaliate by suspending their free-to-air signals.
Katiba Institute and KHRC filed a petition in court to overturn this unconstitutional directive.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also filed a case, and the court has already granted them conservatory orders suspending the illegal ban.
KHRC and the other bodies also observed restricted access to Telegram, where protest updates were shared.
“This disruption coincided with CA’s clampdown on media and mirrors tactics used during the 2024 Gen Z protests, when access to X (formerly Twitter) was similarly blocked,” KHRC said.
Additionally, the human rights commissions documented the use of signal jamming devices.
KHRC said this is a tactic reminiscent of strategies employed during the ICC case, where crucial evidence was tampered with.
“These actions appear to be part of a calculated effort to suppress coverage and conceal ongoing police violence, an unlawful effort,” the Agencies said.
Number of Kenyans Killed and Shot in Protests
Besides, KHRC detailed the number of protesters who were killed, shot and those injured
KHRC said police shot at least 20 protesters, resulting in at least eight deaths.
According to the data, three people were killed in Matuu, Machakos; two in Emali, Makueni County; one in Nairobi; one in Molo, Nakuru; among other areas.
Among those nursing gunshot wounds, 10 are from Machakos, three from Ol Kalou in Nyandarua, and one each from Ongata Rongai in Kajiado and Narok.
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In total, over 400 protesters have received treatment for various injuries other than gunshot wounds-many inflicted by police-with others currently undergoing specialized care.
Further, two police officers were injured in separate incidents in Nairobi and Kisii. These figures are as of 5:00 pm today.
“The toll is likely to rise as we continue to verify additional reports of injuries and fatalities resulting from excessive police force,” reads another part of the statement.
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Demands to IPOA
The Agencies called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to immediately launch a transparent and thorough investigation into the killings and injuries.
They also strongly condemned acts of violence committed by a section of protesters and urged that these incidents be investigated and appropriate legal action taken.
“All officers involved must be held accountable, including those with command responsibility for these violent actions,” they said.
Besides, they demanded that CA comply with the court order suspending its unlawful directive and immediately cease all restrictions on access to Telegram.
The Agencies said they will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep the public informed.
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