A year after Kenyans first took to the streets to demand justice and reject tax hikes, fresh protests have turned deadly—this time under a cloud of fear, media blackouts, and brutal policing that has drawn global condemnation.

Kenyans in the diaspora have denounced what they called an all-out attack on civil liberties by the government and warned that the country risks sliding into full-blown tyranny.

“When a government fires on its own people and shuts down the media, it ceases to be leadership— it becomes tyranny,” the diaspora said in a statement released from Washington, D.C.

“Kenya belongs to its people, not to any regime. And the people at home and abroad— will not be silenced,” it read further.

The statement was issued after police violently dispersed peaceful demonstrations held on June 25 to mark the first anniversary of the Gen Z uprising.

Protesters across 23 counties came out bearing wreaths to remember the dead, the injured, and the missing—only to be met with teargas, batons, and bullets.

“Protesters came unarmed, in peace, bearing wreaths, not weapons. In response, the government unleashed teargas, riot police, and brute force upon its own people,” the statement said.

At least eight people were confirmed dead, while over 80 were being treated for injuries, some with gunshot wounds.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported over 400 injuries and more than 60 arrests during Wednesday’s protests.

In addition to the killings, the diaspora condemned the Communications Authority of Kenya for issuing orders that forced broadcasters NTV, KTN, and Citizen TV to stop live coverage.

“This blatant violation of constitutional press freedoms demands the harshest public and legal condemnation,” the group said.

They issued three non-negotiable demands: First, a public assurance from President William Ruto that no more lives will be lost, no one will be tortured or kidnapped for speaking out, and the right to peaceful assembly will be protected.

Second, the government must immediately restore live broadcasting rights to all affected media houses.

And third, all armed forces deployed to suppress protesters must be withdrawn at once.

The diaspora warned of consequences beyond Kenya’s borders.

“We warn the Government of Kenya that any further repression, violence, or media censorship will not go unnoticed. Should any harm befall innocent Kenyans due to State-sanctioned violence, there will be a full reckoning— legally, constitutionally, and globally,” the statement read further.

Scenes of protest chaos were reported in major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Nyahururu.

Parliament and the president’s office were barricaded with razor wire, and police blocked all access roads.

Human rights groups say the level of force was similar to what happened in 2024, when 60 people were killed and 20 disappeared.

Protesters then stormed Parliament, and parts of the building were torched as the military was deployed.

The diaspora noted that they had long been involved in Kenya’s democratic reform journey and would not sit back now.

“As citizens living abroad, we remain firmly rooted in Kenya’s democratic journey,” the statement read.

“We will not stand by as the government tramples on the rights and dignity of the Kenyan people.”