On June 25, 2026, the third anniversary of Kenya’s Gen Z-led protests sparked nationwide commemorations, met with heavy police action. Official figures reported 355 arrests across at least 14 counties, including Nairobi (161), Kajiado (123), and Kiambu (36). While the government claimed only one injury, rights groups documented multiple injuries and alleged the abduction and torture of activists, with several found dumped after severe beatings. Survivors reported being interrogated about protest funding. The government defended the crackdown as necessary for order. However, organizations like the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International condemned the response, citing violations of assembly rights, excessive force, and unlawful detentions, contrasting with peaceful police conduct reported in Mombasa. Our photographer, Jimmy Kitiro, went to the streets and captured the moments as they happened.
