Government Trolls Target Kenyan Gen Z Protesters, Claims Amnesty

Wed Nov 19 2025 19:45:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent report by Amnesty International reveals that Kenyan authorities allegedly paid trolls to intimidate young protestors during mass anti-government demonstrations.

A shocking report by Amnesty International reveals that Kenyan authorities employed a network of trolls to intimidate Gen Z activists during anti-government protests. The report also highlights surveillance and disinformation tactics aimed at suppressing dissent among young protesters. The accusations come after significant unrest in Kenya attributed primarily to issues like tax increases and corruption, leading to tragic outcomes such as over 100 deaths.

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 tactics to target organisers of mass protests, which occurred across Kenya throughout 2024 and 2025. The demonstrations stemmed largely from Gen Z activists who utilized social media platforms to rally supporters.

In response to Amnesty's findings, Kenya's interior minister announced that the government does not sanction harassment or violence against any citizen.

However, Amnesty emphasized that it had uncovered a systematic campaign aimed to silence and suppress these protesters. The report indicated young women and LGBT+ activists faced particular targeting, often subjected to misogynistic and homophobic abuse, including threatening comments and disturbing AI-generated content.

Activists recounted receiving alarming threats, with one individual sharing his experience of being informed about his child's school and urged to cease activism.

Furthermore, a male participant revealed he was part of a trolling operation that involved being paid between 25,000 and 50,000 Kenyan shillings (about $190-$390; £145-£300) daily to amplify pro-government narratives and drown out protest hashtags on social media.

The report raises serious allegations about a violent crackdown on protests, with significant casualties reported as police engaged with demonstrators during the unrest. It cites over 100 fatalities, arbitrary arrests, and lethal force being used against the protesting population.

Amnesty's Secretary General Agnès Callamard stated that the organisation's investigation clearly demonstrates widespread and coordinated tactics on digital platforms to silence and suppress protests by young activists.

The situation highlights the urgent need for freedom of expression and protection for activists in Kenya, particularly as they face intimidation and violence for voicing dissent against government policies.