The number of people killed during Wednesday’s protests in Kenya has climbed to 19, with 15 others still missing, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The demonstrations, held to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax protests, saw thousands flood the streets nationwide. Clashes erupted between demonstrators and police, resulting in widespread chaos and the destruction of thousands of businesses.
In a statement released Friday, KNCHR condemned the violence and called for accountability. “The Commission strongly condemns all human rights violations and urges accountability from all responsible parties,” it said, adding that it had recorded 19 deaths and 15 “enforced disappearances,” up from an earlier death toll of 16.
The agency also reported 531 injuries and 179 arrests linked to the unrest.
Human Rights Watch also weighed in, urging authorities to respect the rights of demonstrators. “Kenyan authorities should not treat protesters as criminals,” said Otsieno Namwaya, the group’s associate Africa director.
The United Nations called for calm and restraint amid the ongoing tensions.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government condemned the looting and vandalism that occurred during the protests, including the ransacking of a national fertiliser depot in Meru, around 200 kilometres east of Nairobi. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, more than 7,354 bags of fertiliser—valued at approximately $230,000—were stolen.
“Fertiliser meant to sustain farmers through this planting season was looted,” the ministry said, describing the incident as “a direct assault on Kenya’s food security” that could trigger a crisis in both food and cash crop production.
Agriculture contributes about 21% to Kenya’s economy. In response to the incident, Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe called for the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
