On 25 June 2025 in Nairobi, thousands of Generation Z protesters, colloquially known as young Kenyans, took to the streets demanding the resignation of President William Ruto. Mobilized by social media hashtags like #RutoMustGo, the protests commemorated last year's deadly anti-tax riots and were triggered by a recent fatality in police custody, rising living costs, and continued police brutality.
/*Protest Timeline and Key Demands*/
The protest began in the morning hours, as young protesters converged downtown Nairobi, carrying crosses with names of victims and shouting "Ruto must go," the AP said. The police charged at them, firing tear gas, water cannons, and live bullets, leaving eight dead and over 300 injured individuals, some with gunshot wounds. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights confirmed nationwide injuries stood at more than 400, and more than 60 were arrested. The key issues? Police brutality, accountability, economic hardship, and institutional corruption.
/*From Tax Bill to #RutoMustGo*/
It mirrored the 2024 Finance Bill protests, where a proposed tax increase incited mass dissent and the storming of Parliament that led to a death toll ranging between 19 and 60, depending on one's source. #RutoMustGo, a hashtag that was used then and resurfaced now, reflects Gen Z's frustration with slow change, failed political promises, and the recently expired custodial death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died after he was detained for criticizing the police. All these confirm that the current protests are not impromptu; they're rooted very deep.
/*Clash and Casualties*/
The protest escalated rapidly. In Nairobi, police fired live bullets at the beginning of the day, seriously injuring at least 10 individuals, according to the FT. AP confirmed shootings that led to deaths, injuries from police brutality, and even kidnappings. Protests broke out at the same time in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and 23 other cities. Media shutdowns were ordered by authorities, disabling live TV and radio output and slowing down internet speeds, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and foreign observers.
/*Broader Impact and Projections*/
This Generation Z wave of protests reveals deeper national fault lines: economic, political, and generational. With 67% youth unemployment in Kenya, according to UN statistics, and living costs on the rise, Ruto's rule is seen as out of touch at best. Pundits are warning that unless the government hears, offers police reform, economic relief, and democratic freedoms, the protests will get out of hand. Pressure builds worldwide: Western diplomats urged respect for peaceful assembly, NGOs insisted on investigations into excessive use of force