Kenyan police used tear gas to disperse groups commemorating protesters killed during anti-government demonstrations in 2024, reigniting debate over police accountability and civil liberties. Activists, family members of victims, and opposition figures gathered to demand justice for those killed during protests over tax increases and the rising cost of living. Some of the families, including parents who came only to lay flowers, said they were blocked and shocked by the police response. Officials had warned against unrest. However, organizers insisted their gathering was a peaceful remembrance, not a protest. Although President William Ruto has acknowledged instances of excessive force and allocated compensation funds, activists argue that meaningful accountability remains absent. The central struggle is over whether state institutions can be held accountable for past misconduct, as activists continue to demand investigations into police conduct. How authorities respond to these demands could shape public trust in government, influence future protest movements, and determine the strength of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
Reuters