Tension engulfed Kitengela town on Sunday, July 7, as residents, led largely by youths, took to the streets to mark Saba Saba Day with protests demanding government accountability and economic reforms.
Saba Saba Day, commemorated annually, recalls the historic 1990 movement that fought for multiparty democracy in Kenya. This year’s protests have been rejuvenated by a youth-led digital movement that has been mobilizing online under hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill and #RutoMustGo, pushing for economic justice and an end to corruption.
In the early hours of the day, demonstrators barricaded key roads, including a section leading to Mombasa Road, using stones and burning car tyres. The roadblocks severely disrupted traffic and led to the closure of businesses across Kitengela town, as fear of escalation loomed.
Police swiftly intervened, firing tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowds. The protests, though largely peaceful in intent, turned chaotic as officers clashed with demonstrators in running battles. No serious injuries were reported by the time of this report, but tension remained high.
Kitengela, a satellite town in Kajiado County, has emerged as a protest hotspot. During the June 25 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, the town saw heightened security, including aerial surveillance by police helicopters. The earlier protests were held to remember youth who lost their lives in confrontations with police across the country, highlighting growing frustration with state security responses.
On June 25, dramatic scenes were witnessed as protesters overpowered law enforcement officers in some instances. One anti-riot police officer was filmed fleeing from angry youths, underscoring the intensity of the confrontations.
As of now, the situation in Kitengela has calmed slightly, with police working to clear the blocked roads. However, a heavy police presence remains, and many shops remain shut amid lingering fears of renewed violence.
The ongoing demonstrations reflect a deeper national mood of discontent, particularly among the youth, as they continue to demand meaningful reforms, transparency, and a government that listens to its people. As Saba Saba Day continues to evolve, it remains a powerful symbol of Kenya’s struggle for democratic rights and economic justice.