Anti-government protests in Kenya turned deadly on Monday as violent clashes erupted between protesters and police, with the death toll rising to 11. The protests, held to mark the annual Saba Saba Day, were met with heavy police deployment and roadblocks in Nairobi. The demonstration commemorates the 1990 uprising that demanded the restoration of multi-party democracy in the country after years of autocratic rule under President Daniel arap Moi.
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 10 people died and 29 were injured across 17 counties. The National Police Service (NPS) later confirmed the fatalities, citing 52 police officers and 11 civilians injured. The violence and unrest came as the country marked a significant moment in its fight for democracy.
Clashes broke out as anti-riot police fired tear gas at protesters, leading to running battles throughout the day. On the outskirts of Nairobi, small crowds threw rocks and engaged in looting. Protesters, frustrated with ongoing economic stagnation, corruption, and police brutality, voiced their displeasure with President William Ruto’s administration.
Protesters Accuse Police of Collusion with Criminal Gangs
The KNCHR accused the police of working alongside criminal gangs during the protests, highlighting the presence of armed groups wielding crude weapons, including whips, clubs, and machetes. These “hooded gangs” were reportedly seen operating alongside the police in various counties, including Nairobi. The police have denied these allegations, with NPS spokesperson Michael Muchiri stating that the claims lacked factual accuracy.
In response to the violence, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the infiltration of criminal elements in the protests. He asserted that the presence of security forces had significantly reduced looting and violence, but vowed to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the chaos.
Protesters Target Ruto’s Administration
Monday’s protests were spurred by growing dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s government, which many Kenyans believe has failed to deliver on its promises. The protest slogans “Ruto Must Go” and “One Term” were heard on the streets, calling for the president’s removal before the next election in 2027. Despite Ruto’s alliance with opposition leader Raila Odinga, tensions remain high, with each violent crackdown fueling further unrest.
The protests have become a symbol of the widespread dissatisfaction with the country’s leadership, as economic challenges persist, leaving over 80% of the population in low-paying informal jobs. Nairobi motorbike driver Rogers Onsomu, 32, expressed his frustration, saying, “What he [Ruto] has promised the country, he is not delivering.”
Human Rights Groups Raise Alarm
Activists like Nerima Wako have voiced concerns that the continued violence will only exacerbate the country’s instability. “Every time people organise a protest, they kill more people, so it just continues to feed off itself,” Wako said, criticizing the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent.
The violence witnessed on July 7 mirrors the deadly clashes that took place during protests in June 2025, where at least 19 people were killed. Human rights organizations are calling for accountability as the government faces mounting pressure to address both the political and economic grievances of its citizens.
