A protester has been shot dead and several others injured in Matuu town during day-long June 25th 2025 demonstrations that turned deadly after protesters stormed the Matuu Police Station, triggering a violent police response.
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd had earlier blocked the Garissa–Thika Highway with bonfires before marching toward the station, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding justice for victims of last year’s Finance Bill protests. Tension boiled over as demonstrators forced their way into the police compound, prompting officers to open fire to disperse them.
The victim, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was reportedly shot in the chest at close range. Several others sustained gunshot wounds and blunt force injuries. Emergency teams, including the Kenya Red Cross, rushed to the scene and have so far evacuated the injured to nearby medical facilities. Some remain in critical condition.
In Nairobi’s CBD, similar scenes of chaos unfolded as police engaged demonstrators. The Red Cross confirmed at least three casualties were received at Kenyatta National Hospital by mid-afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Parliament adjourned indefinitely after failing to meet quorum, stalling debate on six motions and four bills. The walkout by lawmakers came as the protests intensified nationwide—marking the anniversary of the 2024 storming of Parliament.
The situation was further inflamed by a government directive through the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) ordering all TV and radio stations to cease live coverage of the protests. The move sparked widespread criticism, with media watchdogs and civil society leaders accusing the state of censorship and eroding democratic space.
The Kenya Red Cross has urged demonstrators to seek help via their toll-free emergency line 1199, as they continue offering medical aid in multiple protest zones.
As the sun sets, tensions remain volatile across the country—with the death in Matuu fueling fresh outrage and sharpening calls for accountability and justice.
