What began as a national day of remembrance turned violent in Nyandarua on Wednesday, June 25, as 26 county government vehicles were set on fire at the Olkalou sub-county offices during protests marking one year since the deadly demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.

The attack, which the county government has confirmed, also saw 18 motorbikes destroyed and newly purchased music equipment reduced to ashes. Of the vehicles torched, five were completely grounded. Police and protesters clashed for hours in Olkalou, with roads barricaded using stones as officers fired tear gas to push back crowds.

The protests, largely driven by Gen Z youth, were part of a broader nationwide demonstration to honour the memory of those killed in last year’s unrest. Protesters carried placards bearing the names of victims and called for justice, transparency, and a complete withdrawal of the contested Finance Bill.

What started as peaceful vigils across many towns quickly escalated in several places. While major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret recorded high turnouts, isolated incidents of looting and clashes with police were reported, including in areas like Githurai in Nairobi.

Beyond Olkalou, demonstrations spread to other counties including Kakamega, Narok, Busia, Makueni, Nyeri, Laikipia, Machakos, Homa Bay, and Kirinyaga, where protestors demanded economic reforms and accountability from government officials.

By the end of the day, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported eight deaths linked to the day’s protests. Fatalities occurred in Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).

More than 400 people were injured across the country, according to KNCHR. These included protesters, police officers, and journalists. Most of the wounded were treated and discharged, but 83 required specialised medical care.

In Nyandarua, the destruction of public property has stirred outrage, with local leaders demanding immediate investigations. County officials described the losses as a setback for service delivery, even as protesters defended their actions as a reaction to years of broken promises and a system they say has ignored youth voices.

As the country comes to terms with the scale of destruction and loss, attention now shifts to how the government will respond to the growing pressure to address citizens’ frustrations and deliver lasting solutions.