Ten killed as Kenya marks Saba Saba with deadly anti-government protests

At least ten people died across Kenya on Monday as anti-government demonstrations marking Saba Saba Day spiralled into deadly clashes between police and protesters, the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has said.

Saba Saba — Swahili for “Seven Seven” — commemorates July 7, 1990, when Kenyans rose up to demand an end to decades of one-party rule under then-president Daniel arap Moi. The anniversary has come to symbolise popular resistance against autocratic governance and the struggle for democratic rights.

Read also: At least 8 killed as protesters battle police in Kenya

But this year’s commemorations descended into violence, as frustrations over economic stagnation, corruption and police brutality once again brought thousands to the streets. Many young Kenyans say they feel betrayed by president William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on campaign promises.

In its statement, the KNCHR said it had documented ten deaths and 29 injuries across 17 counties but gave no further details. The rights body also accused the police of working hand-in-hand with criminal gangs to intimidate demonstrators and discredit the protests.

“We observed criminal gangs wielding crude weapons — whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows and arrows — operating alongside police officers in some areas,” the commission said.

Read also: Kenyan police officer kills innocent vendor during peaceful protest

According to AFP, On the outskirts of Nairobi, there were running battles as anti-riot police fired teargas at protesters, who in turn hurled rocks and looted shops. Some demonstrators carried placards demanding “Ruto Must Go” and chanted “wantam” — slang for “one term” — in a direct jab at the president.

The heart of Nairobi was virtually shut down, with heavy security roadblocks sealing off main roads to the city centre — the epicentre of previous rallies. Businesses shuttered for fear of looting, leaving the normally bustling capital eerily deserted.

“I have never witnessed the city centre like this,” said Edmond Khayimba, a 29-year-old security guard to AFP. “It’s like a ghost town.”

While the National Police Service dismissed the rights commission’s claims as “lacking factualness”, they acknowledged the infiltration of demonstrations by criminal elements. Kipchumba Murkomen, insisted the security presence had helped reduce looting and violence, promising those responsible for any crimes would face justice.

Read also: Inside Kenya’s oldest tour company acquired by Aliko Dangote, David Rubenstein

Yet many protesters accuse the authorities themselves of paying armed gangs to hijack the rallies and sow chaos, undermining their legitimate grievances.

“What he [Ruto] promised the country, he is not delivering,” said Rogers Onsomu, a 32-year-old motorbike taxi driver, told AFP “The power belongs to the people. We will not relent — we will keep it going each and every day.”

Monday’s fatalities come less than two weeks after another day of protests turned deadly, with rights groups reporting 19 deaths during clashes on June 25. The government has described the demonstrations as an attempted coup, while opposition figures and activists argue each violent crackdown only deepens the public’s resolve.

Since his 2022 election, Ruto has forged an uneasy truce with main opposition leader Raila Odinga, leaving Kenya’s political future in flux ahead of the 2027 vote. But as frustration boils over onto the streets, many fear that without dialogue, the cycle of protests and bloodshed will only continue.