What began as a peaceful commemoration of youths killed during the June 2024 protests turned deadly on Tuesday, leaving several dead and hundreds injured in a wave of chaos and destruction across the country.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least eight people were shot dead and more than 400 injured during clashes between police and protesters. Authorities also reported that 61 individuals were arrested and detained at various police stations.
The demonstrations quickly escalated into violent confrontations, with protesters hurling stones and makeshift weapons in response to teargas canisters fired by police. Debris from the melee, including large objects dragged onto roads, rendered major highways, including the Thika Superhighway, impassable through Thursday morning.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has since deployed teams to clear blocked roads and ease the traffic gridlock.
