Kenya’s Saba Saba Protests Turn Deadly, Leaves 11 Dead

Kenya’s annual Saba Saba commemorations turned into chaos on Monday, as police clashed with protesters in scenes reminiscent of past struggles for democracy. What began as a symbolic day of remembrance marking the country’s fight for multi-party democracy in 1990 has spiraled into a national reckoning, sparked by the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang, in police custody.

By nightfall, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed 11 people dead and dozens injured across the country, after what were intended to be peaceful anti-government demonstrations turned bloody.

The saba saba Protest

Every July 7, Kenyans rally to honor the Saba Saba movement, which helped dismantle Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule. But this year’s protests were anything but commemorative. They were ignited by public fury over police brutality and a government perceived as increasingly detached from the people.

At the heart of the unrest was Albert Ojwang, a social commentator whose death last month in police custody sparked a wave of demonstrations. Police claimed suicide, but signs of torture and severe head injuries suggested otherwise. Six individuals—including three police officers—have since been charged with his murder. All have pleaded not guilty.

His story became the rallying cry for a generation demanding justice and reform.
The citizens said,
“Ojwang is not just a victim, he is a symbol,” said human rights lawyer Michael Anyango. “He’s what happens when institutions meant to protect citizens become the source of their greatest fear.”

The Day Unfolds

From the early hours of July 7, Nairobi was on lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, traffic diverted, and schools and shopping malls closed as security forces braced for confrontation.

Despite the heavy presence of police and military, thousands of protesters made their way into key arteries of the capital, including Kangemi, where chaos soon erupted. A reporter at the scene witnessed police firing live rounds into the crowd. At least two people reportedly died from gunshot wounds at Eagle Nursing Home.

Elsewhere in the city, demonstrators were met with tear gas, water cannons, and what the KNCHR described as “unidentified men in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles.” A court order prohibits such tactics, yet numerous reports confirmed their presence.

“We saw hooded officers dragging young men into cars without license plates,” said Nyambura Gichuki, an activist. “There was no protocol, no restraint just brute force.”

The protests weren’t confined to Nairobi. In Nakuru, Nyeri, and Embu, similar scenes played out. In Nakuru, police on horseback charged into crowds, dispersing protesters with batons and tear gas. In all, demonstrations were reported in 17 of Kenya’s 47 counties.

At Kenyatta National Hospital, at least 24 injured people were being treated by evening, according to hospital staff.
Despite government claims of restraint, the KNCHR said the response was “disproportionate” and “in violation of the public’s constitutional rights.”

The Government’s say

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who previously described the protests as “terrorism disguised as dissent,” maintained a tough stance.
“Our security agencies are on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and elements of ill intent who may infiltrate peaceful processions,” Murkomen said on Sunday, just hours before the protests began.

But the images circulating across Kenyan social media of bleeding students, tear gas clouds over residential areas, and terrified demonstrators have sparked more questions than the government may be ready to answer.
Has Saba Saba, once a day of hope, become a new symbol of state repression?

While government agencies have yet to issue a comprehensive report, public confidence continues to erode. Civil society groups are calling for independent investigations, not only into Ojwang’s death but also into Monday’s crackdown.

Activists argue that unless deeper reforms are undertaken especially within Kenya’s police force the violence witnessed on Saba Saba will not be the last.

“You cannot silence a nation forever,” said protester Joy Atieno. “Albert may be gone, but we’re just getting started.