Lead
Protesters in Nairobi ran for cover on Thursday as shots rang out and Kenyan police deployed tear gas, according to Africa News. Police had previously shut down key routes around the capital in an attempt to prevent demonstrations marking two years since the landmark Gen Z uprising that began in June 2024.
Coverage comparison
Africa News described a scene of protesters scattering amid gunfire and tear gas, with police blocking major roads to prevent gatherings. The outlet highlighted that thousands of people took to the streets in 2024 over economic hardship and corruption, and noted that June 25 has become an annual day of protest as frustration with President William Ruto’s government continues.
RFI — English reported a “massive show of force” by Kenyan police on the anniversary, describing long lines of police wagons, horse patrols, barbed wire around government buildings, and numerous plainclothes officers. The outlet reported that schools and businesses were shuttered and that roadblocks shut off traffic on key roads around Nairobi.
Key claims
Both outlets reported that thousands of Kenyans protested in June 2024 over economic hardship and corruption, and that the day ended with storming parliament to force the cancellation of new taxes. They also both reported that June 25 has since become a day of annual protest.
On the death toll, the outlets presented different figures. Africa News cited rights group Civicus Monitor, saying more than 60 people were killed and 82 forcibly or involuntarily disappeared over the course of the demonstrations. RFI — English, citing a police watchdog, reported at least 127 people killed across the two years of protests.
RFI — English also reported that security forces shot people with near-total impunity, a claim not included in Africa News’s account. The outlet further said politicians have frequently deployed masses of hired “goons” — armed men sent to attack opponents — who are blamed for most looting and robberies during protests.
President Ruto, as reported by both outlets, said this week that people have a right to protest but warned against anyone “mobilized to destroy property or cause chaos.” RFI — English added that Ruto’s former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, warned young Kenyans not to protest, and noted that Ruto has long been associated with violence, having been charged with crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.
Perspectives
President William Ruto’s position, as carried by both outlets, acknowledges a right to protest but warns against destruction of property or chaos. RFI — English also reported a warning from former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua against protest. The perspective of protesters is represented by two residents interviewed by RFI — English: a motorbike-taxi driver who expressed fear of plainclothes officers, and a young woman who said she did not want to die and just wanted to work.