61 people were killed during the Gen Z anti-gov't protests-report

According to the report, which is based on extensive research and interviews, six people were killed and 72 were either abducted or remain missing as a result of the protest, which was met with harsh police response.

In a press briefing at Amnesty International's Nairobi offices, the organisation detailed its investigation, which included interviews with 23 eyewitnesses and the analysis of 45 videos and over 100 photographs from the protest day.

The footage depicts what Amnesty experts described as a "chaotic and uncoordinated" response by law enforcement, with officers firing weapons at random and appearing to lack proper guidance.

"The level of violence and disregard for human rights during the protest is unacceptable," Amnesty International said in its report. "The authorities had ample time to prepare for a peaceful protest, but instead, the response was characterized by excessive use of force."

Among the findings, six people were confirmed to have been shot dead, while 61 fatalities have been documented throughout various protests in 2024. 

The report also revealed that 67 cases of enforced disappearances have been logged this year, with 40 cases resolved so far, leaving 27 still unresolved. 

The International Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) has conducted 49 autopsies on victims from the protests.

The June 25th protest, which was announced days in advance, saw a significant turnout of young protesters demanding political and economic reforms. 

Four eyewitnesses interviewed during the investigation noted that police appeared overwhelmed by the sheer number of protesters and were unable to maintain control without resorting to violence. 

Amnesty International’s weapons experts identified that law enforcement used various firearms and crowd-control weapons, including G3, AK-47, Galil-pattern rifles, and CZ Scorpion EVO 3 submachine guns.

"There was a clear lack of communication and guidance among officers," the report added. "Footage shows them advancing and retreating in confusion, with some firing weapons seemingly without orders."

Amnesty International, alongside five other human rights, legal, and medical associations, is calling on the government to act on the recommendations made following the report. 

In 2023, the organization had already reported 67 deaths linked to police brutality and had made specific suggestions on reforms to prevent further violence. 

However, the inaction from authorities has led to continued violations in 2024.

As part of their advocacy efforts, Amnesty International has launched a petition calling for the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the deaths, disappearances, and unlawful police action during the protests. 

The petition, which has garnered over 12,000 signatures, will be presented to the National Assembly in the coming days. A

mnesty also plans to engage with the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to demand accountability and the release of all detained individuals.

"We urge the government to ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable," the statement concluded. "Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, and such rights should not be met with bullets and brutality."