Trending 
Ten people were killed across Kenya during anti-government demonstrations on Monday, coinciding with the historic Saba Saba Day protests.
Clashes erupted between police and protesters, particularly in the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi.
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported “10 fatalities, 29 injuries” across 17 counties and documented 37 arrests.
The KNCHR also accused the police of collaborating with “criminal gangs wielding crude weapons,” stating these “hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers” in Nairobi.
Central Nairobi Deserted Amid Roadblocks and Renewed Unrest
A heavy police presence kept much of central Nairobi deserted ahead of the annual Saba Saba Day marches, which commemorate the July 7, 1990, demand for multi-party democracy. Many businesses in the city centre remained closed.
Despite the quiet centre, groups of protesters gathered on the outskirts, engaging in running battles with anti-riot police who used tear gas.
AFP reporters witnessed two injuries, as well as instances of looting and vandalism.
Demonstrators on a major highway clashed with police, chanting “Ruto Must Go” and “wantam” (one term), expressing frustration over economic stagnation, corruption, and police brutality.
This latest unrest follows violent demonstrations last month that resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread destruction.
Demonstrators allege authorities pay armed vandals to discredit their movement, while the government has labelled the demonstrations an “attempted coup.”
The National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson dismissed the KNCHR’s statements as potentially “lacking factualness” and reiterated that the NPS “would never work alongside individuals called ‘goons’ or criminal elements.”
Economic Frustration Fuels Ongoing Protests
Underlying the protests is widespread anger driven by economic inequalities and high expectations, particularly among young Kenyans in informal, low-paying jobs.
However, a severe police crackdown, which has reportedly led to at least 80 deaths and dozens of illegal detentions since June last year, has deterred some from protesting.
As President William Ruto, elected in 2022, navigates an uneasy alliance with opposition leader Raila Odinga, activist Nerima Wako warns that each violent crackdown only fuels further unrest.
“Every time people organise a protest, they kill more people, so it just continues to feed off itself,” she stated. The previous major demonstration on June 25 resulted in 19 deaths, according to rights groups.
