Kenyan police open fire on Saba Saba protesters, 11 killed nationwide

 

Nairobi and at least three other regions in Kenya were rocked by violent clashes on Monday as demonstrators marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba (Seven Seven) pro-democracy protests. What began as a peaceful commemoration evolved into bloodshed, with Kenyan police deploying tear gas, water cannons, and reportedly live ammunition to disperse crowds. Authorities have confirmed 11 deaths nationwide and numerous injuries among both civilians and officers.

According to Reuters, the unrest was fueled by outrage over the recent police custody death of Kenyan blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang on 30 June. His death has become a catalyst for protests, reigniting public anger over police brutality and lack of accountability.

Riot units blocked roads and sealed off vital routes into Nairobi. In Kangemi, a Reuters journalist witnessed police open fire on advancing demonstrators, while other reports described unexplained plain-clothes officers operating alongside uniformed police.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that unidentified officers in unmarked vehicles were observed during the operation.

The Associated Press, meanwhile, reported that clashes extended beyond the capital to Eldoret, Nyeri, Embu, Nakuru, and Kitengela, where hospitals were looted and vandalized amid escalating violence. The protests coincide with ongoing demonstrations since June 2024, originally sparked by the Finance Bill but now encompassing deeper concerns over political accountability and governance.

Video footage circulating on social media shows protesters setting fires, engaging in stone-throwing, and being dispersed by water cannon and tear gas. Overwhelmed hospitals in Nairobi report treating dozens of injured demonstrators, with photos showing bloodied civilians lying in the streets.

Rights groups and the UN have condemned the use of lethal force and the lack of police accountability. A concerning “shoot-on-sight” directive from Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has sparked widespread fear.