Kenya plunged into chaos on Monday, July 7, as Saba Saba Day protests turned deadly, leaving at least 10 people shot dead and dozens injured in violent confrontations with police. What began as a peaceful call for justice, good governance, and economic relief swiftly morphed into one of the most turbulent days in the country’s recent history.
From Nairobi to Kisumu, Eldoret to Mombasa, towns and cities ground to a halt. Streets emptied, businesses shuttered, and public transport collapsed as demonstrators took to the streets to vent frustration over economic hardship, unemployment, and governance failures. Protesters, many of them youth, clashed with heavily armed police who responded with teargas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.
In Nairobi’s Kangemi and Kitengela in Kajiado, lives were tragically lost as police opened fire. In Kitengela, a young man was shot in the neck and chest, succumbing to injuries on the spot. Two others were killed in Ngong while a wave of unrest spread across multiple counties including Nyeri, Nakuru, Murang’a, and Makueni.
The protests echoed the original Saba Saba movement of 1990, which demanded multiparty democracy. This time, however, the urgency was different youthful anger and economic desperation fueled the unrest.
Despite government assurances that the day would be business as usual, a heavy security lockdown was enforced. Key roads into Nairobi’s CBD were sealed off with roadblocks, and Parliament Road and State House Road were barricaded with razor wire. Public service vehicles kept off roads and schools remained closed.
In Eldoret, 35 protesters were arrested, while in Mombasa and other cities, police thwarted planned demonstrations. Violence and looting were reported in Murang’a, where police struggled to control crowds.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki called for peace and dialogue. Kindiki emphasized that grievances must be aired peacefully, warning that violence threatens national stability.
As night fell, Kenyans were left reflecting on a dark day that highlighted a nation gripped by economic discontent and yearning for meaningful change.
