A new analysis by Odipo Dev and Amnesty International Kenya has raised fresh concerns about the methods used by police during protests across Kenya between 2020 and 2025.
The findings, published through the Freedom Index, show that tear gas canisters were the most commonly used crowd-control weapon during demonstrations over the five-year period.
The report reviewed data collected from 1,002 protests held in different parts of the country.
According to the analysis, tear gas was used 230 times to disperse protesters, making it the most frequently deployed tool by law enforcement officers. The report also documented the use of live bullets in 87 incidents, while water cannons were recorded in 67 cases.
Rubber bullets were used 55 times, batons in 39 cases, and stones in 14 incidents. Unspecified bullets were also documented in 10 separate protest situations.
The release of the report comes at a time when the country is witnessing renewed demonstrations over rising fuel prices. Recent protests by transport sector workers on May 18 and 19 reportedly left several people dead and others injured in incidents linked to police action.
According to VOCAL Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid, at least 17 people lost their lives during the protests in Nairobi, Naivasha, Kiambu, Busia, Thika, and Nakuru.
The Freedom Index argues that the type of weapons used during protests can have serious consequences on civilians.
The report notes that tear gas fired at close range or in enclosed spaces can lead to severe injuries, while live bullets often result in deaths. It also warns that water cannons used with high pressure are capable of causing broken bones and other serious harm.
Between 2020 and 2025, the report recorded 159 protest-related deaths and 1,245 injuries across the country. During the same period, 2,603 arrests linked to demonstrations were documented.
The analysis further indicates that youth-led protests experienced the highest number of weapon-related incidents, with 114 cases recorded. Community demonstrations followed with 62 cases, while protests involving politicians and their supporters accounted for 34 incidents.
Workers and unions recorded 27 cases, students 18, and civil society groups 11.As public debate continues around police accountability, fuel prices, and the Finance Bill, concerns over the handling of demonstrations remain part of the wider national conversation.
Attention is also growing ahead of the second anniversary of the June 2024 Gen Z protests and the increased political activity expected before next year’s General Elections.
