11/08/2026
JOINT STATEMENT: ODIPODEV AND AIK RELEASE THE FREEDOM INDEX HALF YEAR 2026 REPORT EXPOSING RISING PROTESTS IN KENYA AND CONTINUED USE OF LETHAL FORCE AND DEEPENING RIGHTS CRISIS
The Kenya Freedom Index, by Odipo Dev and Amnesty International Kenya, documented 1,292 protest events between January 2025 and June 2026, including 839 in 2025 and 453 in the first six months of 2026, a 29% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
Economic concerns, including wages, working conditions and rising fuel prices, remained key drivers. Community groups led 291 protests in 2025 and 177 in early 2026, while students and minors were involved in 86 and 75 protests, respectively. Nairobi recorded the highest activity, with 247 protests in 2025 and 116 in the first half of 2026.
The human cost has been severe. During the June–July 2025 unrest, reported deaths ranged from 65, according to IPOA, while injuries included 531 recorded by KNCHR on 25 June and 146 on 7 July. IPOA also recorded 760 arrests on 7 July 2025, while 2026 saw 710 arrests on 18 May and 355 on 25 June. Teargas was documented in 81 incidents in 2025 and 46 in early 2026, while live ammunition was recorded in 52 and 31 incidents, respectively.
Authorities must protect peaceful assembly, ensure any use of force is lawful, necessary and proportionate, and independently investigate every death, injury and allegation of abuse. Read more: https://www.amnestykenya.org/odipodev-and-aik-release-the-freedom-index-half-year-2026-report-exposing-rising-protests-in-kenya-and-continued-use-of-lethal-force-and-deepening-rights-crisis/