Thousands of Kenyans Mark Anniversary of Parliament Invasion with Mass Protests, Renew Calls for Ruto’s Resignation
One year after one of the most turbulent days in Kenya’s democratic history, thousands of angry citizens returned to the streets in a powerful show of public discontent. On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Kenyans gathered en masse to commemorate the anniversary of last year's bloody protests, which saw demonstrators storm the country’s parliament in response to worsening economic conditions and unpopular tax hikes.
This year's protest—dubbed by activists as the "Occupy State House" movement—has reignited national and international attention on issues of police brutality, economic hardship, political repression, and widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration.
What Happened Last Year? A Bloody Turning Point in Kenya’s History
To understand the current protests, it's important to revisit the events that occurred in June 2024. At that time, widespread anti-government demonstrations erupted across Kenya due to deep frustration over rising taxes, increasing cost of living, and high youth unemployment. The climax came when angry citizens stormed the national parliament building—an act that symbolized just how far public trust in the government had collapsed.
During that wave of unrest, security forces responded with overwhelming force, deploying live ammunition, tear gas, and brutal crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators. According to human rights groups, at least 60 people were killed—most of them young Kenyans. It remains one of the deadliest political episodes in Kenya’s recent memory.
Protesters Return: “Ruto Must Go!”
Marking the one-year anniversary of that deadly day, thousands of Kenyans returned to the streets—this time with an even bolder demand: the resignation of President Ruto.
Chanting “Ruto must go!”, the demonstrators moved in large numbers through the capital, Nairobi, waving Kenyan flags and holding up placards. Many of these placards carried photos of protesters killed during last year’s violent clampdowns—a poignant reminder of the human cost of political discontent.
Among the demonstrators was Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman, who told AFP,
“I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest, it is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here… they are supposed to protect us but they kill us.”
Her words reflect a deeply rooted sense of betrayal among the youth, who feel abandoned by the very institutions meant to safeguard their rights.
“Occupy State House”: A New Phase of Resistance
Unlike the 2024 protests which mainly targeted parliament, this year’s demonstration was aimed directly at the highest seat of power in Kenya: the State House, which houses the office and residence of the president.
Protesters referred to their movement as #OccupyStateHouse, a symbolic attempt to hold President William Ruto personally accountable for the current state of the nation.
This shift in focus from general economic discontent to direct opposition against the presidency marks a significant escalation in the public’s frustration. The chants of “Ruto must go!” heard throughout the capital clearly express the protestors’ deep loss of faith in the current leadership.
Fear of Violence: Schools and Businesses Shut Down
The rising tension ahead of the anniversary protest had many schools and businesses in Nairobi shut their doors, fearing a repeat of last year’s deadly scenes.
The government’s reaction was swift and visible. Early Wednesday morning, June 25, police officers blocked major roads leading into Nairobi’s central business district. Government buildings were barricaded with razor wire, and security personnel were deployed in large numbers.
Despite these efforts to suppress the protests, demonstrators pushed forward with determination. Their presence on the streets was not just a remembrance of the past but also a loud call for change.
Police Brutality Sparks Fresh Outrage
While the anniversary of the 2024 killings was the main reason for the protest, fresh anger erupted in recent weeks due to yet another death in police custody.
According to reports, a Kenyan schoolteacher was killed earlier this month after being arrested for criticising a senior police officer. This incident reignited public anger about systemic police abuse and lack of accountability, especially in how authorities handle dissenting voices.
Activists have used the case to highlight ongoing impunity and demand justice reform, accusing the government of using the police as a tool to silence criticism.
A Country at a Crossroads
Kenya’s current political and economic challenges paint a grim picture. Many citizens are struggling under the weight of heavy taxation, runaway inflation, and a sluggish economy that has failed to generate adequate employment—especially for the country’s massive youth population.
President Ruto’s economic policies—initially promoted as tough but necessary reforms—have increasingly been seen as harmful to the average citizen, particularly the poor and unemployed.
Although the government claims its fiscal policies are aimed at reducing national debt and attracting foreign investment, critics argue that the burden has been unfairly placed on the poor, while those in power remain untouched.
Families of Victims Demand Justice and National Healing
Alongside the protestors were relatives of those killed last year, some of whom carried large portraits of their loved ones and wore black as a symbol of mourning.
Many families say they are still waiting for justice, with no officers held accountable for the killings and no reparations offered. Human rights organizations have echoed these demands, urging the Kenyan government to launch independent investigations and hold those responsible accountable.
Activist groups are also calling on the international community, including the African Union and United Nations, to intervene and ensure that Kenya respects the human rights of its citizens.
A Message to Africa and the World
The protests in Kenya are more than just a national issue—they reflect a broader struggle playing out across many African countries, where youth populations are becoming increasingly disillusioned with leadership that fails to deliver.
In a region where democracy is often tested by authoritarian crackdowns, Kenya’s youth are sending a message: they will not remain silent in the face of injustice.
Their demands are simple but powerful: better leadership, economic justice, human rights, and a government that listens.
Conclusion: Will Kenya Listen?
As the dust settles after the anniversary protests, one question remains: Will President Ruto’s government listen?
With growing unrest, mounting anger over police brutality, and economic despair sweeping through the country, the pressure on the Ruto administration is rising sharply. Kenyans are demanding more than words—they want real reforms, justice for victims, and a leadership that works for the people, not against them.
The events of June 25, 2025, are a reminder that when people feel unheard, they will raise their voices—even at great risk to their lives.
The world is now watching Kenya. What happens next will shape the country’s future—and possibly inspire similar movements across Africa.
"Ruto Must Go!" – Kenyans Storm Streets on Protest Anniversary
— NaijaRush (@thisisNaijaRush) June 26, 2025
Thousands of Kenyans poured into the streets chanting "Ruto must go!" on the one-year anniversary of last year’s deadly protests. The demonstrations, driven by anger over high taxes, corruption, and the rising cost… pic.twitter.com/EY05pVzd6A
