On the anniversary of “Saba Saba Day,” commemorating the 1990 uprising for multi-party democracy, Kenya witnessed violent protests that left 10 people dead and 29 injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
The organization also reported two kidnappings and 37 arrests across 17 counties, while denouncing the presence of armed gangs wielding crude weapons operating alongside police forces in Nairobi.
Clashes escalated after riot police fired tear gas at demonstrators, some of whom responded by throwing stones. A Reuters journalist reported that police opened fire, wounding several people, including one in critical condition.
Ahead of the protests, authorities had imposed strict security measures, including the closure of major roads and restrictions on vehicle and pedestrian movement in the capital. Protesters accused the government of hiring armed thugs to sabotage the demonstrations, while officials labeled the unrest a “coup attempt.”
The protests come amid rising public anger over economic stagnation, corruption, and police brutality — especially following the death of blogger Albert Ojuang in police custody last month, which has fueled the wave of demonstrations that began in June.
