Tension escalated in Kitengela, Kajiado County, as Saba Saba protests turned violent, leading to the reported fatal shooting of a man. The individual is said to have sustained two gunshot wounds one to the neck and another to the chest during clashes with police officers.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as protestors, mainly youth, engaged security forces in running battles along Prison Road. The man, critically injured, was rushed to a public hospital within Kitengela Township but was pronounced dead on arrival due to the severity of his injuries.
The protests in Kitengela are part of the larger Saba Saba demonstrations that swept across multiple parts of Kenya on July 7, 2025, with young people demanding government accountability and reforms. The annual day, historically significant for Kenya’s pro-democracy movement, has this year taken on new momentum driven by what many see as generational frustrations.
In a separate incident, another protester reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. He was also taken to the same hospital and is currently receiving medical attention. The full extent of his injuries remains unclear.
The situation in Kitengela remains tense, with heavy police presence reported in hotspots within the township. Protesters continue to defy dispersal orders as demonstrations persist despite a government ban on public gatherings.
Local residents have expressed concern over the escalating violence and the increasing use of force by law enforcement. Many shops have remained closed, and public transport services have been disrupted as fears of further unrest grow.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the reported fatality or injuries. The incident adds to a growing list of casualties associated with nationwide protests, highlighting the deepening standoff between demonstrators and security forces.
