Kenyan socialite Huddah Monroe has expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the tragic events that unfolded during the recent Saba Saba protests, which left at least 10 people dead and nearly 30 others injured. Taking to her social media, she poured out her grief, highlighting the pain of seeing citizens lose their lives while fighting for a better Kenya.
In one emotional post, she reacted to reports of a man allegedly killed and dragged into a police station, describing the situation as unacceptable and likening the conduct of some authorities to that of “animals.” Her reaction echoed the sentiments of many who were disturbed by the events that marred the anniversary of a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political history.
This year’s Saba Saba, which marked 35 years since the landmark 1990 movement for multiparty democracy, saw thousands take to the streets in protest. Demonstrators were motivated by growing anger over rising costs of living, corruption, youth unemployment, and continued reports of police brutality. What was meant to be a peaceful expression of civil frustration quickly turned deadly, with widespread reports of police using excessive force to disperse crowds.
Protesters encountered tear gas, water cannons, and in some areas, violent confrontations. Alarmingly, several incidents involved officers not in uniform, traveling in unmarked vehicles, despite existing court orders mandating that all law enforcement personnel be identifiable during crowd control operations. Eyewitnesses also reported groups of unidentified individuals, some armed with crude weapons, seemingly collaborating with law enforcement in areas like Nairobi and Eldoret. These accounts have only added to public outrage and confusion.
The scale of the injuries and loss of life has reignited debate around the use of force by police and the lack of accountability in dealing with public unrest. While authorities have denied working alongside any criminal elements, insisting such claims are misleading, the public’s trust in official narratives appears increasingly eroded.
In the wake of the protests, health authorities announced they would cover all medical expenses for victims injured during earlier demonstrations, pledging to charge the costs to the Disaster Emergency Fund. Families who lost loved ones were offered official condolences, but the gestures have done little to soothe the heartbreak or address the calls for justice and reform.
For public figures like Huddah, the pain goes beyond individual loss — it reflects a broader sense of hopelessness and a deep yearning for change. Her message underscored a sentiment shared by many: that the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens in the fight for justice and equality seem to be ignored by those in power.
As the country processes the grim outcome of the protests, questions linger about how Kenya moves forward from this moment. The images of bloodied faces, terrified youth, and grieving families have left a scar that will not heal easily. And for those like Huddah, the message is clear — the dream of a better Kenya cannot come at the cost of innocent lives.
