Youthful protesters turned out in large numbers in Kiserian on Monday to mark Saba Saba Day, overpowering anti-riot police and forcing them to retreat, despite the deployment of heavy security equipment.
The demonstrators, part of a youth-led movement demanding government accountability and economic reforms, lit bonfires on major roads and engaged police in running battles throughout the day. Footage seen by The Star shows protesters chanting and waving placards as they blocked roads with burning debris. The situation escalated until police officers, overwhelmed by the crowd’s numbers and determination, retreated to their posts.
Despite a significant security presence that included armored vehicles, water cannons, razor wires, and mounted patrols, protesters maintained their presence on the streets of Kiserian and other parts of Nairobi’s outskirts. The defiant demonstrations highlight growing frustrations among Kenya’s youth over economic hardships and perceived government inaction.
This year’s Saba Saba protests, held annually on July 7 to commemorate the historic 1990 struggle for multiparty democracy, have taken on renewed vigor in light of the tragic events of June 2024, when dozens died during anti-Finance Bill protests. Organizers had called for fresh protests following the June 25, 2025 memorial demonstrations, further galvanizing support.
In response, police heavily barricaded roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), effectively sealing off entry points and stifling activity in the city centre. Still, scattered confrontations were reported in several hotspots, including Kangemi, Kitengela, and along Thika Road.
Protesters accuse the government of ignoring widespread calls for financial transparency, better governance, and economic relief amid rising inflation and youth unemployment. The digital campaign fueling the protests has gained traction on social media, rallying thousands to the streets despite warnings and a heavy-handed police approach.
While calm has returned to parts of the CBD, the unrest in Kiserian and beyond underscores a new chapter in Kenya’s political activism, led by a digitally savvy, determined generation unafraid to challenge authority. As the movement grows, all eyes remain on how the government will respond to these ongoing demands for reform.
