This edition of the Amnesty Kenya Gazette comes at a time when the soul of our nation is being tested. In June, Kenyans stood up in their thousands—mourning lives lost in police custody, demanding justice for Gen Z victims, and resisting laws that threatened their privacy and dignity. From the tragic killing of Albert Ojwang to the brutal crackdown on peaceful protestors, we witnessed both the depths of state repression and the unrelenting courage of those who refuse to be silenced. Yet even amid grief and injustice, rays of hope emerged—charges dropped, rights defended, and dangerous clauses struck from law. This month, we honour the struggle, spotlight the wins, and reaffirm our collective power to stand up, speak out, and shape a more just and humane Kenya.

JOB TITLE: Research Officer – Sabbatical Cover

Wednesday night rains washed away the stench of pungent tear gas across several towns, but the devastation and trauma caused by hours of confrontation remain. As hundreds of families and businesses count their losses and police commanders, protesters, and policymakers go back to the drawing board, the nation is left wondering anxiously, what can be done to stop further loss of life and property in future?

Last week, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, did something both alarming and deeply irresponsible. He issued a shoot-to-kill directive to police officers, targeting anyone who “attempts to attack” the police during protests. While such a statement may win him points with hardliners who view protestors as an inconvenience, it is, in every possible way, a betrayal of the Constitution, a threat to public safety, and a green light for impunity.

Nairobi, Saturday, June 28, 2025: The Police Reforms Working Group unequivocally condemns the arbitrary arrest and incarceration of human rights defenders Mr. John Mulingwa Nzau, also known as Garang, and Mr. Mark Amiani, also known as Generali, and Francis Mwangi also known as Chebukati who are reported to have been taken into custody this morning within Machakos County and are presently being heldat Muthaiga Police Station.

CONSULTANCY: Rapid Review of Amnesty International Kenya Financial Systems 2025

Nairobi, 26 June 2025: Yesterday’s violence has claimed at least 16 lives and led to 400 injuries as of 9 pm last night. We have received reports that some police officers are allegedly misadvising victims’ families to bury their loved ones without a postmortem.

Nairobi, Wednesday, June 25, 2025: The Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association express condolences to the families of the eight protesters who were killed today. At least 400 others were treated, with 83 of them referred to specialized treatment for serious injuries. At least eight protesters have been treated for gunshot wounds. Three of the injured include police officers. While these figures are confirmed by medics and human rights defenders, sadly, the exact figures may only be known in the course of time.

Nairobi, Wednesday, June 25, 2025: The Law Society of Kenya, Police Reforms Working Group and Kenya Medical Association express grave concern over the directive by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) directing Kenyan media houses to cease live broadcasts of ongoing protests, citing violations of Article 33(2) of the Kenyan Constitution.

Nairobi, 24 June 2025: Amnesty International Kenya takes serious note of mass media reports documenting how violent instigators worked in collusion with or with the consent of police officers during the 17 June protest. The allegations that senior government officials are involved in plans to infiltrate peaceful gatherings and instigate violence must be investigated.

Tomorrow marks one year since the historic #OccupyParliament protest shook the nation’s conscience. As Kenyans prepare to take to the streets again this June 25th, peacefully and within their constitutional right, it is not just a protest. It is a mirror held up to the National Police Service (NPS), a test of whether it serves the Constitution or cowers to political masters.

Tuesday’s street anarchy in Nairobi had me scrambling for dusty copies of the Commission on Inquiry, Ransley and Kriegler reports on 2007/2008 Post Election Violence. Within 72 hours, key figures accused of coordinating the mayhem had criticised the violence, some instigators had apologised, and several national and international voices had condemned the six hours of carnage. What happened to rapidly de-escalate the situation?