Protesters clashed with police in Kenya on Wednesday as the country marked one year since deadly anti-government demonstrations over tax hikes and economic hardship. Last year’s unrest peaked on June 25 when demonstrators stormed parliament, leading to the deaths of at least 60 people at the hands of security forces.

While some called for peaceful marches to honor the victims, others rallied under the slogan “Occupy State House,” referring to President William Ruto’s residence. Authorities responded by sealing off key government buildings with barbed wire and deploying heavy police presence.

Tensions escalated in Nairobi’s central business district as initially peaceful protests turned chaotic. Demonstrators threw stones, lit fires, and confronted police, who responded with tear gas. One officer and several protesters were injured, according to AFP.

Protesters, mostly young people, waved flags of Kenya, displayed images of last year’s victims, and chanted anti-government slogans. Flowers were laid at barricades in memory of those killed.

“The government has failed us — no jobs, high taxes, and brutality,” said 31-year-old Samson Nyongesa.

Smaller protests also occurred in Mombasa and other regions. Public outrage has grown in recent weeks, especially after a teacher died in police custody and peaceful demonstrators were attacked by armed motorbike gangs reportedly acting with police support.

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