Victor Otieno, a young college student from Thika, has been identified as one of the casualties of the deadly June 25, 2025, protests that rocked Kenya. According to rights groups monitoring the events, at least six people lost their lives across the country during the nationwide demonstrations.
A heartbreaking video and photo showing Victor’s final moments have surfaced online, drawing widespread emotion and anger. The footage, which has been verified by several media outlets, shows Victor standing among peaceful demonstrators shortly before gunshots were heard. Moments later, he is seen falling to the ground, apparently struck by a bullet.
Witnesses say Victor had joined fellow students and protesters to voice opposition to the controversial Finance Bill, which had sparked outrage across the nation. The protests, largely led by Gen Z and student groups, were mostly peaceful until police confronted demonstrators with tear gas, rubber bullets, and, in some areas, live ammunition.
Victor, believed to be in his early twenties, was reportedly unarmed and not involved in any acts of violence. His only visible action in the video was raising his phone, presumably to record the unfolding chaos. It is unclear whether he was targeted or caught in random fire.
Human rights organizations and student bodies have condemned the killing and are calling for justice. “Victor Otieno was exercising his democratic right to protest. His death is a tragic reminder of the dangers young people face for speaking out,” one activist said.
Victor’s death has now become a symbol of the June 25 protests. Tributes continue to pour in online, with many using the hashtag Justice For Victor. His family, friends, and fellow students are now demanding accountability from security forces and calling on the government to act swiftly.
