Kenya's Government Accused of Funding Trolls to Target Gen Z Protests

Wed Nov 19 2025 19:20:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amnesty International's report reveals that the Kenyan authorities employed trolls and security forces to intimidate young anti-government protesters during recent demonstrations, raising concerns over human rights violations.

In a recent report by Amnesty International, it has come to light that the Kenyan government allegedly funded a network of trolls to intimidate Gen Z activists during protests against government actions. The report highlights the use of violence, surveillance, and disinformation tactics aimed at silencing dissent. With over 100 fatalities reported during the protests and targeted threats against activists, the situation raises serious concerns about the state's commitment to human rights.

The Kenyan authorities paid a network of trolls to threaten and intimidate young protesters during recent anti-government demonstrations, Amnesty International has said.

A new report by the human rights organisation stated that government agencies also employed surveillance and disinformation to target the organisers of mass protests that swept Kenya in 2024 and 2025. These demonstrations were largely driven by Gen Z activists who utilized social media platforms for mobilization.

In response to Amnesty's findings, Kenya's Interior Minister asserted that the government does not condone harassment or violence against any citizen. However, Amnesty International reported a campaign that aimed to silence and suppress these protests.

Young women and LGBT+ activists faced disproportionate targeting, revealed the report, detailing misogynistic and homophobic comments and even the creation of AI-generated pornographic images.

One activist recounted horrifying incidents of threats directed at them and their children, compelling them to change schools for safety. Furthermore, the individual's testimony revealed that they were approached with details about their child's life, insinuating severe consequences should they continue their activism.

Payment to trolls ranged between 25,000 and 50,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately $190-$390) per day, aimed at amplifying pro-government messages online and undermining protest hashtags.

The ongoing protests have resulted in over 100 fatalities as police clashed with demonstrators in two major waves of unrest in 2024 and 2025. There have been numerous allegations against authorities, including arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and lethal force utilized against peaceful protesters.

Amnesty chief Agnès Callamard condemned the situation, stating that the campaign tactics deployed to suppress dissent are both widespread and coordinated. The Kenyan Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, acknowledged instances of excessive police force but defended the conduct of security forces in other situations.

Amnesty's report also raised alarms over unlawful state surveillance, alleging usage of mobile data to track protest leaders, a claim that has been denied by Kenya's major telecom provider, Safaricom.