A new report by Amnesty International has accused the Kenyan government of deploying digital tools to suppress public dissent during the 2024–2025 Gen Z–led demonstrations. The protests, which were largely driven by opposition to the Finance Bill, reportedly resulted in 128 deaths, 83 enforced disappearances, and more than 3,000 arbitrary arrests.
According to Amnesty, security agencies relied heavily on online intimidation, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and unlawful digital surveillance to silence outspoken youth. The organisation also expressed deep concern over allegations that authorities accessed private phone data and location information without obtaining court orders.
The report further criticises platform X for failing to act against orchestrated hate speech and misinformation targeting activists involved in the movement.
“Online harassment and smear campaigns became central tools for the state to discredit its critics. In some cases, these tactics laid the groundwork for subsequent killings and enforced disappearances,” noted Amnesty International’s Head of Programmes, Victor Odede.
Amnesty International Executive Director Irungu Houghton added that there has been “massive intrusion of surveillance” over the past year, linking the practice to numerous cases involving serious human rights violations.
