What was meant to be a day of remembrance for the 60 lives lost during last year’s anti-tax protests on June 25 quickly descended into chaos, resulting in more deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction.

The Standard can authoritatively confirm the death toll, injuries, and destruction of property as at 1.00pm on Thursday, June 26, as follows:

Deaths

At least eight people were killed during Wednesday’s demonstrations, most of them reportedly from gunshot wounds, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

The fatalities were reported across six counties: two in Machakos, two in Makueni, and one each in Kiambu, Nakuru, and Nyandarua.

Kenya Power also confirmed the death of a security guard during the evening unrest. The death toll is expected to rise.

Injuries

More than 400 people, including protesters and police officers, were injured nationwide during clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

Counties Affected

Protests were reported in at least 26 counties, nearly half of Kenya’s counties, where protesters called for regime change and exercised their constitutional right to assemble.

The counties include Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nyeri, Embu, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Laikipia, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Lamu, Narok, Busia, Kisii, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Kericho.

Vandalism and Looting

Businesses bore the brunt of the chaos, especially in the key towns.

In Nairobi, a Bata shoe store along Outering Road was looted and later set ablaze.

In Nyeri Town, a Naivas Supermarket was looted, and several stalls near the Bus Station were raided, with looters making away with shoes and clothing.

Other affected businesses included Mathai Supermarket in Nyeri, Clean Shelf Supermarket in Ongata Rongai, Quickmart in Kitengela, and a fast-food outlet housing Creamy Inn and Chicken Inn.

In Kakamega town, goons attempted to break into shops.

In Nyeri, the goons reportedly targeted the home of Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, though no damage was confirmed.

In Nyandarua County, 29 vehicles belonging to county and National government were torched.

Arrests

At least 61 individuals were arrested and taken to various police stations for questioning in connection with the unrest.