July 7, 2025—Saba Saba Day—was once again marked by nationwide protests in Kenya, but this year’s demonstrations ended in deadly confrontations, raising urgent questions about the state’s handling of public dissent, police accountability, and the country’s democratic health.
What began as peaceful commemorations of a historic struggle for multiparty democracy quickly spiraled into violent clashes between protesters and security forces in several counties. By the end of the day, at least 10 people were confirmed dead, with dozens more injured, including over 50 police officers. Human rights groups and observers described the state’s response as excessive, militarized, and in some cases, unlawful.
Deaths, Injuries, and Disruption
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed 10 fatalities, while police sources cited 11 deaths during confrontations in Nairobi, Nyeri, Eldoret, Embu, Nakuru, and Kisumu. Tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and, in some cases, live ammunition were used to disperse crowds.
In Nairobi’s Kangemi and Mathare neighborhoods, and in parts of Nakuru and Kisii, protesters lit bonfires, chanted anti-government slogans, and clashed with police. Reports emerged of police officers operating in unmarked cars and plain clothes, accompanied by groups armed with machetes and whistles—raising fears of state-linked vigilante tactics.
Origins of the Unrest
The 2025 Saba Saba protests were inflamed by the death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and digital activist who died in police custody in June. Six people, including three police officers, are facing murder charges in connection with his death. His case became a symbol of wider frustrations over police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and systemic impunity.
However, the protests were not just about Ojwang. They tapped into deeper national grievances: rising cost of living, youth unemployment, mistrust in public institutions, and growing discontent with President William Ruto’s administration.
Police Lockdowns and Public Reaction
In anticipation of unrest, police effectively shut down Nairobi, erecting roadblocks across major highways and access points. Malls and schools remained closed, and movement into the city was restricted.
The government described these measures as necessary to maintain public order. Interior officials warned against participation in “illegal assemblies” and cited risks of infiltration by criminal elements. Yet many saw the state’s response as a deliberate attempt to suppress constitutionally protected dissent.
Civil society leaders expressed alarm at what they called a systematic effort to criminalize protest. “The use of unmarked vehicles, armed gangs, and plain-clothed police officers is a clear indication of an intent to intimidate,” said one human rights defender.
Voices from the Ground
Among the victims were young demonstrators, some of whom were seen chanting for justice and democratic accountability before being violently dispersed. Families of those killed or injured have begun speaking out, demanding government action and an independent inquiry.
One protester in Kisumu, who survived a police beating, said, “We came out to demand dignity and justice—not to be hunted like criminals.”
Looking Ahead
Pressure is mounting on the Ruto administration to explain the disproportionate use of force and clarify its position on the right to protest. Human rights groups are calling for:
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An independent investigation into protest-related deaths and injuries
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Immediate release of any unlawfully detained demonstrators
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Accountability for police officers involved in extrajudicial conduct
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Concrete steps to implement police reforms long promised but rarely enforced
As Kenya prepares for future elections and continues to grapple with youth-led civic movements, the legacy of Saba Saba remains more relevant than ever. What was once a day to remember Kenya’s turn toward democracy has now become a recurring reminder of how fragile that democracy still is.
Conclusion
The 2025 Saba Saba protests have once again brought to the forefront Kenya’s unresolved tensions between state authority and civil liberty. While the government may have succeeded in limiting the scale of this year’s demonstrations through lockdowns and intimidation, it has failed to silence the message.
From Nairobi to Nyeri, from social media threads to street vigils, one truth echoed loudly: the struggle for justice, dignity, and accountability in Kenya is far from over.