Report on the June 25, 2025 Protests in Kenya and Human Rights Concerns

Overview of the Protests and Government Response

On June 25, 2025, thousands of Kenyans participated in nationwide protests to commemorate those killed during the June 2024 demonstrations. The protests took place in Nairobi and several counties, including Machakos, Kisii, and Nakuru. Kenyan authorities responded with police and military forces to disperse protesters, particularly those moving toward Nairobi’s Central Business District and the State House.

• At least 16 people were reportedly shot dead by police.
• Over 400 individuals were admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital with bullet wounds and other injuries.
• Among the injured was NTV journalist Ruth Sarmwei, who was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the protests.

Human Rights Violations and Accountability

Human Rights Watch and other organizations have called for accountability regarding abuses committed during the protests, including killings, gun injuries, beatings, abductions, and disappearances. The use of lethal force by security forces contravenes both Kenyan law and international human rights standards.

• Security forces, including police, military, and secret service, have been implicated in serious abuses during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
• The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 63 killings and 87 abductions between June and October 2024, with 26 individuals still missing.
• The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has investigated 22 deaths but only two cases have proceeded to court, drawing criticism from human rights groups.

Restrictions on Media and Freedom of Expression

On the day of the protests, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued a directive banning live broadcasts of the protests, citing constitutional and legal grounds. Subsequently, signals of major television stations such as NTV, KTN, and Citizen TV were switched off for defying the directive.

• The Kenya Union of Journalists and Kenya Editors Guild condemned the CA’s actions as threats to press freedom.
• The Kenya Media Sector Working Group, Law Society of Kenya, and civil society organizations accused the government of ignoring constitutional rights and court orders.
• A Nairobi high court issued a conservatory order suspending the CA ban and ordered the restoration of media signals.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

1. Promotion of peaceful protests: Kenyan authorities are urged to recognize protests as legitimate expressions of public opinion and to respond lawfully, respecting human rights.
2. Accountability and justice: Calls for thorough investigations and prosecutions of abuses committed by security forces align with SDG 16’s target to promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice.
3. Strengthening institutions: The role of IPOA and KNCHR in oversight highlights the need for robust institutions to uphold human rights and prevent abuses.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Ensuring that all citizens can participate in protests without fear of violence or repression contributes to reducing inequalities by promoting inclusive governance and protecting marginalized voices.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The large number of injuries and deaths during protests underscores the importance of protecting the right to health and safety, including access to medical care for those harmed during demonstrations.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Protection of journalists and protesters, including women like NTV journalist Ruth Sarmwei, is critical to ensuring gender equality and empowering all individuals to participate freely in public life.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The disruption of media signals highlights the need for resilient communication infrastructure that supports freedom of information and transparency.

Recommendations

• Kenyan authorities should ensure all responses to protests comply with international human rights standards and constitutional guarantees.
• Immediate restoration of media signals and protection of press freedom must be prioritized to uphold transparency and informed public discourse.
• Comprehensive investigations and accountability mechanisms should be strengthened to address past and ongoing abuses by security forces.
• Deployment of the military in managing peaceful protests should be reconsidered to prevent further human rights violations.
• Support for civil society organizations and independent institutions is essential to promote justice, peace, and inclusive governance in line with the SDGs.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses issues of police brutality, unlawful killings, abductions, and restrictions on freedom of expression and press freedom, all of which relate to SDG 16’s focus on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The protests and government responses highlight systemic inequalities and abuses of power affecting marginalized groups, relevant to SDG 10’s aim to reduce inequality within and among countries.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article mentions injuries and deaths resulting from protests, indicating impacts on health and well-being.
4. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • While not explicitly stated, the mention of a female journalist injured during protests touches on issues of gender and safety in public spaces.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
2. SDG 10 Targets:
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.
3. SDG 3 Targets:
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination (applicable to violence-related injuries).
4. SDG 5 Targets:
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age — implied by the reported killings during protests.
   • 16.1.3: Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence in the previous 12 months — implied by reports of beatings and injuries.
   • 16.3.2: Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population — implied by concerns over arbitrary arrests and abductions.
   • 16.10.1: Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights advocates — implied by the media crackdown and journalist injuries.
2. Indicators related to SDG 3:
   • 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services — implied by hospital admissions of injured protesters.
   • 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning and violence — implied by deaths and injuries caused by security forces.
3. Indicators related to SDG 10:
   • 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or unfairly treated — implied by the protests against inequality and abuses.
4. Indicators related to SDG 5:
   • 5.2.1: Proportion of women and girls subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months — while not directly mentioned, the injury of a female journalist suggests relevance.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: hrw.org