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The psychological impact of witnessing violent protests in Kenya
25th June, 2026 09:17 PM
As Kenya continues to witness periods of public demonstrations at the height of Gen Z June 2024 anniversary conversations, the focus is often on the political, economic, and security implications of protests.
Less discussed, however, is the psychological toll that violent protests can have on those who witness them.
Research by Dr Sefoko Ramoshaba, shared on Research Gate, has highlighted the impact of violent protests while stressing how affected people may always be scared and more vigilant than usual.
“The affected people may always be scared and more vigilant than usual. This may disturb sleeping patterns and stress-related disorders, which are indicators of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” reads the research in part.
According to the research, witnessing violent protests has been proven to affect any person who is exposed to violence in a public place, whether directly or indirectly.
This results in psychological and human trauma to everyone involved, including bystanders. It leads to trauma and anxiety, which may sometimes become chronic.
The wake of Social Media protests
Children and young people are often among the most vulnerable while witnessing violence during protests, which can create feelings of insecurity and uncertainty about their environment.
In some cases, the young ones may develop sleep problems, nightmares, difficulty concentrating in school, or heightened anxiety whenever they hear sirens, loud noises, or discussions about demonstrations.
On the other hand, adults are not immune either, with some business owners experiencing destruction of property, while commuters get caught in unrest.
In addition, journalists covering chaotic scenes and families worried about loved ones participating in protests may all experience elevated stress levels.
Repeated exposure to distressing images and videos can further contribute to emotional exhaustion.
Meanwhile, in the wake of Social Media, many who may not have been present to witness the protest may find violence amplifying these effects.
Graphic footage can spread within minutes, reaching millions of people regardless of whether they were physically present.
While such content often serves to inform the public, constant exposure to traumatic images can increase feelings of distress and helplessness.
