Two young men who lost their lives during the June 25 protests in Emali, Makueni County, died from gunshot wounds, post-mortem examinations have confirmed, intensifying public concern over police conduct during the nationwide demonstrations.

Garson Mutisya, 33, and Peter Makau Mualuko, 23, were both shot in the chest, with the bullets exiting through their backs, according to autopsy results released on Monday. Their families, devastated by the loss, are demanding answers and accountability.

"It is clear my brother was shot by police. We want investigations and justice," said Victor Mulwa, Makau’s brother, during an interview with Citizen TV.

Robinson Musyoki, speaking on behalf of Mutisya’s relatives, added, "We are in grief, but we accept the findings. We now want those responsible held accountable."

The impact of the June 25 protests extends beyond Emali. In Nairobi’s Pipeline estate, the family of 21-year-old Abdi Juma Okello is mourning his death after he was allegedly shot in the head near the Pipeline footbridge at around 2 pm on the same day.

He later died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. His post-mortem is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1.

City Mortuary is currently holding four more bodies of individuals who were killed during the same protests.

Among them is Ian Opango, who was shot in Ongata Rongai. Post-mortem examinations for the remaining victims are also set for Tuesday.

The deaths add to the rising number of casualties reported during the protests. Amnesty International has documented 16 deaths resulting from the anti-government demonstrations, most of them caused by police gunfire.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Houghton Irungu, said the figures were confirmed by 8:30 pm on Wednesday and included at least five people who were shot.

At Kenyatta National Hospital, 107 people were treated for injuries sustained during the protests, the majority of them suffering from gunshot wounds.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed that 485 people were arrested during the Gen-Z anniversary protests. Out of those, 448 individuals have been charged with serious crimes including murder, terrorism, rape, arson, robbery, and possession of illegal firearms. The remaining 37 are still under investigation.

As more details emerge about the victims and the circumstances of their deaths, pressure is mounting on authorities to investigate the killings and take decisive action against those responsible.