Kenya Protests Turn Deadly: 11 Killed, Many Injured

• Protests commemorate 35 years of pro-democracy demonstrations.
• Police opened fire to disperse large crowds of protesters in Nairobi.
• Kenya’s interior minister labeled the protests as ‘terrorism’ last month.

In Nairobi, Kenyan police resorted to gunfire to disperse demonstrators commemorating the 35th anniversary of pro-democracy protests. Reports indicate that 11 people lost their lives across the country during the most recent anti-government unrest.

The renewed protests were fueled by the tragic death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody last month, sparking widespread outrage and drawing hundreds to the streets.

A reporter from Reuters witnessed police firing at advancing protestors in the Nairobi suburb of Kangemi, where one man was later seen lying motionless on the ground with a gunshot wound.

According to the Eagle Nursing Home in the area, six individuals were treated for injuries, with two succumbing to gunshot wounds. At Kenyatta National Hospital, 24 people were receiving care, though details about their injuries were not disclosed.

Police and Armed Gangs

The Kenyan police confirmed that 11 individuals had died and reported injuries to 52 officers, though they did not clarify accountability for these casualties.

“Initial reports indicate that there have been fatalities and injuries, in addition to damages to vehicles and some looting incidents,” stated the police.

Law enforcement has maintained a heavy presence in Nairobi since youth-led protests erupted in June 2024. Initially focused on increasing tax rates, the protests expanded to address issues like corruption, police brutality, and the unexplained disappearances of dissenters.

On Monday, police utilized tear gas and water cannons to break up crowds that were marching towards downtown Nairobi from Kangemi.

As tensions escalated, clashes broke out, and reports observed police firing as protestors charged.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), funded by the government, reported spotting “numerous hooded officers, not in uniform, traveling in unmarked vehicles.” A court order mandates that police must be easily identifiable, following accusations that plainclothes officers used live ammunition on demonstrators last year.

Additionally, KNCHR noted the presence of criminal gangs armed with whips and machetes, seemingly operating alongside police units in Nairobi and Eldoret, a town in the Rift Valley.

Local reports mentioned protests occurring in Nyeri, Embu, and Nakuru, where mounted officers dispersed protestors throwing stones.

In anticipation of unrest, police blocked major access roads to Nairobi and restricted traffic within the city, resulting in deserted streets except for those participating in the demonstrations. Most schools and at least one shopping mall were closed.

Heightened Vigilance

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, who previously described the protests as “terrorism disguised as dissent,” stated on Sunday that the government is dedicated to ensuring public safety.

“Our security forces are on alert to effectively address any criminal behavior or threats that may arise during peaceful demonstrations,” he declared.

Every year, activists gather on July 7 to honor the day in 1990 when opponents of then-President Daniel Arap Moi started their movement to establish a multi-party democracy in Kenya.

The protest is called “Saba Saba,” which translates to “Seven Seven” in Kiswahili, referencing the date.

These demonstrations initiated the path to Kenya’s first multi-party elections in over 20 years two years later.

The death of 31-year-old Ojwang, a blogger and educator, has intensified public outrage, leading to a wave of protests last month.

On June 25, the Commission reported that 19 people lost their lives in nationwide protests condemning Ojwang’s death and marking the anniversary of previous rallies that ended in the invasion of parliament.

Six individuals, including three police officers, have been charged with murder related to Ojwang’s death, all pleading ‘not guilty.’