Kenya’s Youth Uprising: A Crisis of Accountability in East Africa

From a local tragedy to a national crisis, Kenya’s stability and East Africa’s geopolitical balance are at risk.

On July 5, 2025, thousands gathered in Kakoth village, Homa Bay, for the funeral of Albert Ojwang, a young teacher and blogger whose death in police custody sparked weeks of nationwide protests. His body, bearing signs of blunt trauma and strangulation, has become a symbol of growing anger among Kenya’s youth, fuelled by police brutality, economic struggles, and political disillusionment.

Kenya has a long, troubled history with policing and political dissent. From Moi-era crackdowns to the 2007 post-election violence and the recent #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests, citizens have often taken to the streets demanding justice and reform. The police—frequently accused of extrajudicial killings and excessive force—remain central to these clashes. Ojwang’s death, allegedly from police torture after a social media post critical of a senior official, has reignited these tensions.

The incident also revived memories of the 2024 anti-tax protests, when demonstrators stormed Parliament and at least 19 people were killed. Sparked by a controversial finance bill, that movement marked a new generation’s entry into political activism. Ojwang’s case has now brought the same demographic back to the streets, not just in Nairobi and Homa Bay, but nationwide.

After Ojwang’s death on 8 June, protests broke out in several cities. Demonstrators burnt parts of police stations, clashed with security forces, and held vigils. In Nairobi, police used tear gas and live rounds to disperse crowds. Unrest spread to markets and transport hubs in Kisumu and Eldoret. On 17 June, vendor Boniface Kariuki was shot during a peaceful march and later died, further fuelling public anger.

President William Ruto first called for calm but soon took a tougher stance. His interior secretary’s comments, suggesting police could use lethal force if needed, were condemned by the Kenya Law Society. Unverified reports say about 16 protesters have died since mid-June, with over 400 injured, per Amnesty Kenya. Six people, including three officers, have been charged in Ojwang’s death.

A Test for President

Elected in 2022 on the populist “Hustler Nation” platform, President Ruto vowed to uplift the poor and challenge elites. Critics say his government has strayed from these ideals. Regressive tax proposals, elitist appointments, and corruption scandals have eroded support, especially among the youth who once backed him.

The government’s handling of Ojwang’s death and the subsequent protests may further erode public trust. While legal proceedings against the accused officers have begun, the lack of broader institutional reform has disappointed many. Ruto’s international image—as a reformer and regional statesman—could also take a hit, especially if the violence escalates or the government appears unresponsive.

The protests have hit Kenya’s economy, which is already weakened by inflation and debt. In June, the private sector saw its worst performance in a year. Investor confidence is shaky, and tourism—a key industry—is vulnerable to instability.

Kenya’s geopolitical role in East Africa makes these developments crucial. As a key U.S. ally and host of UNEP, Kenya is vital to regional diplomacy and security. Its stability matters not just to neighbours like Uganda and Somalia, but also to Western partners wary of Chinese influence and militant threats.

The US and EU have urged restraint and accountability but have so far avoided openly criticising the Ruto administration. This may change if human rights worsen or the opposition uses the protests for a wider political campaign.

Determined Movement

A key feature of the current protests is the lack of visible leadership. Young Kenyans organise via social media, local groups, and spontaneous demos. This makes the movement resilient but unpredictable. Without clear demands or negotiators, the government struggles to co-opt or calm the protesters.

The message is clear: youth demand justice, dignity, and a government that listens. Whether sparked by taxes or torture, their protests reflect deep alienation across urban-rural, ethnic, and class divides.

Albert Ojwang’s death was no isolated incident but the spark for a long-smouldering fire. Kenya now stands at a crossroads between reform and authoritarianism, inclusive governance and public disillusionment. The government’s response in the coming weeks will shape its fate and the country’s democracy.

For the region and international partners, Kenya’s crisis is a reminder that stability must be earned through justice, accountability, and listening. Kenya’s youth ask not for miracles, but for a government that sees, hears, and protects them.

(The writer is a foreign affairs expert.)