Amnesty International has released a report alleging that Kenyan authorities utilized a network of paid individuals to threaten and intimidate young protesters during anti-government demonstrations in 2024 and 2025. The human rights organization also stated that government agencies employed surveillance and disinformation tactics against the organizers of these mass protests, which were largely driven by "Gen Z" activists mobilizing on social media platforms.
Allegations of Digital Tactics
The report claims a campaign was conducted to "silence and suppress" protesters. Young women and LGBT+ activists were reportedly disproportionately targeted with misogynistic and homophobic content, in addition to AI-generated pornographic images. One activist interviewed by Amnesty International reported receiving death threats, including specific details about their child, leading to a change in the child's school.
According to the report, an individual claimed to have been part of a team paid between 25,000 and 50,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately $190-$390; £145-£300) daily to promote pro-government messages and counter protest-related hashtags on the social media platform X.
Government Response
In response to Amnesty's report, Kenya's Interior Minister stated that the government "does not sanction harassment or violence against any citizen" and that any officer involved in unlawful conduct is subject to investigation and sanction.
Protest Context and Physical Crackdown
The demonstrations in 2024 and 2025 involved protests against proposed tax increases, rising femicide rates, and corruption. Rights groups indicate that over 100 people died during clashes between police and protesters. Authorities also faced accusations of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the use of lethal force. While the government acknowledged some instances of excessive force by police, it also defended the security forces in other situations.
Amnesty chief Agnès Callamard commented that the report "demonstrates widespread and coordinated tactics on digital platforms to silence and suppress protests by young activists," asserting these campaigns are driven by "state-sponsored trolls."
The report also raised concerns regarding alleged unlawful state surveillance, including claims that authorities used mobile data to monitor protest leaders. Safaricom, Kenya's largest telecommunications provider, denied these allegations.