10 killed, 29 injured as protests turn deadly in Kenya

At least 10 people lost their lives and 29 others sustained injuries on Monday as Kenya witnessed a wave of nationwide protests marking the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba Day a historic moment in the country’s fight for multi-party democracy.

The protests, which erupted across major cities and towns, were led predominantly by young people who took to the streets to demand government accountability and democratic reforms.

The date, July 7 (known as “Saba Saba” or “Seven Seven”), holds deep political significance, symbolizing the day Kenyans rose up in 1990 to push back against one-party rule.

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On Monday, that spirit of resistance was rekindled, but with a tragic twist. Demonstrations quickly turned chaotic, as security forces moved in to disperse crowds.

Social media platforms were flooded with disturbing footage showing heavily armed police officers clashing with unarmed protesters. Tear gas, water cannons, and gunfire were reported in several locations, particularly in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.

Shops were shuttered, businesses closed, and transportation brought to a halt in many parts of the country as tension escalated.

In a statement on Monday, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission confirmed “10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 2 cases of abduction and 37 arrests across 17 counties” amid the Saba Saba commemoration protest.

Accusing the police of collaborating with thugs to disrupt the protests, the commission said it “noted that the police have continued to flagrantly disregard a High Court order mandating that all officers managing demonstrations be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times.”

It added, “The Commission observed numerous hooded officers, not in uniform, traveling in unmarked vehicles while patrolling Nairobi, Kajiado and Nakuru counties.

“Additionally, the presence of criminal gangs wielding crude weapons, including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows and arrows, was noted in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Eldoret. In Nairobi and Eldoret, these hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers.”

President William Ruto, who had insisted that violent protests and anarchy cannot force him out of office, in a series of posts on X, condemned the violence as he called for peaceful protests.

“Say NO to ANARCHY!,” Mr Ruto said. “Not Funny. Not Cool. NO. Let’s Be Peaceful.”

The East African country has been rocked by a series of protests under Mr Ruto’s watch, beginning with the anti-Finance Bill protest last year.

Since the protest that claimed about 60 lives, youths have continued to hit the streets, demanding Mr Ruto’s resignation.