On Saba Saba Day, a commemoration of Kenya’s fight for democracy, protests turned deadly resulting in at least 31 fatalities as police used live ammunition and tear gas against demonstrators.
Dozens Killed in Widespread Antigovernment Protests Across Kenya
Dozens Killed in Widespread Antigovernment Protests Across Kenya
Widespread clashes erupt between police and protesters amid rising tensions against President Ruto's government.
Reports indicate that unrest swept across Kenya on Monday, culminating in significant protests against President William Ruto’s government, with at least 31 individuals confirmed dead and over 100 others injured. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights documented more than 532 arrests paired with claims of two enforced disappearances.
Police responded to the protests with force, employing live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons, instigating a violent back-and-forth between officers and demonstrators. During the unrest in Nairobi, officers stationed on elevated overpasses unleashed tear gas canisters onto protesters gathered below. In reaction, some among the crowd retaliated by throwing stones, while others managed to dance in defiance to police oppression.
The protests coincided with Saba Saba Day, which celebrates the initiation of Kenya's multiparty democracy movement in 1990. The term "Saba Saba" translates to "Seven Seven" in Swahili, pointing to the first pro-democracy rallies that took place in Nairobi.
A substantial police presence made easy access to Nairobi's central business district almost impossible, effectively barring roads typically bustling with crowds, leaving only a small number of determined protesters to navigate the streets on foot. This day marked a significant turning point in an ongoing perpetration of Anger growing against the ruling government.
