At least ten people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured following violent anti-government protests across Kenya on Monday, as tensions continue to escalate over economic hardship, political discontent, and heavy-handed policing.
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that the fatalities and injuries occurred during demonstrations in at least 17 counties. In its statement, the Commission said it had recorded “ten fatalities and 29 injuries,” while also accusing security forces of colluding with armed criminal gangs to suppress the protests.
“These hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers, wielding crude weapons including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows and arrows,” the rights body alleged.
The National Police Service has firmly rejected the accusations, claiming the KNCHR’s account “lacks factual basis” and insisting that officers would never collaborate with “goons or criminal elements.”
The protests coincided with Saba Saba Day, a symbolic date commemorating the July 7, 1990 uprising that pushed for multi-party democracy under the repressive regime of then-President Daniel arap Moi. This year’s anniversary became a rallying cry for thousands angered by corruption, rising living costs, and broken political promises.
In the capital, Nairobi, the city centre was eerily deserted amid a heavy police deployment. Major roads were barricaded, and many businesses shut their doors out of fear of looting and violence. “I have never seen the city centre like this,” said security guard Edmond Khayimba.
While the central business district remained tense but quiet, clashes erupted on the outskirts. Protesters hurled stones at riot police, who responded with volleys of teargas. Some demonstrators vandalized property and looted shops, chanting slogans such as “Ruto Must Go,” in reference to President William Ruto, and “wantam,” a Swahili slang meaning “one term.”
A visibly frustrated Nairobi motorcycle taxi operator, Rogers Onsomu, said the public had lost patience. “What he [Ruto] promised the country, he’s not delivering,” he said. “The power belongs to the people. That’s why we say ‘Ruto Must Go.’ We will not stop.”
Activist groups.
