Two reported dead in Kenya protests as central Nairobi sealed off
2 min read
Protesters face off with police in Nairobi on 7 July 2025, as Kenyans mark the Saba Saba anniversary with anti-government rallies.
Two Killed in Kenya’s Saba Saba Protests as Central Nairobi Locked Down
Anniversary of historic pro-democracy protests turns deadly amid rising public anger and police crackdowns
Two people have reportedly died from gunshot wounds after police opened fire during anti-government protests in Kenya on Monday. The demonstrations, largely led by Gen-Z youth, mark the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba, a pivotal moment in Kenya’s fight for multiparty democracy.
Dr. Aron Sikuku of Eagle Nursing Home in Kangemi, a Nairobi suburb, told the BBC that two bodies with gunshot wounds had been brought to the facility. He added that hundreds of protesters had gathered outside the hospital demanding to retrieve the bodies. Authorities have yet to confirm the fatalities.
The protests come amid widespread anger over police brutality, corruption, and economic hardships, with demonstrators demanding accountability and reforms from President William Ruto’s government.
City on Lockdown
From the early hours of Monday, police sealed off all major roads into central Nairobi, turning the typically busy city centre into a ghost town. Businesses remained shut, schools advised students to stay home, and long-distance travelers were stranded at police checkpoints as far as 13km from the city.
Police used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds in Nairobi neighborhoods including Kamukunji, Kitengela, and Thika Road. Fires were lit on major roads, with protesters attempting to breach cordons around key government sites like State House and Parliament.
Protesters chanted against corruption and governance failures, while demanding justice for victims of police violence—including a blogger who recently died in police custody, sparking national outrage.
Attacks on Civil Society
On Sunday, an armed gang stormed the offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in Nairobi during a women-led press conference against state violence. At least 25 men on motorbikes reportedly looted the premises, shouting, “There will be no protest today.”
The KHRC said journalists were robbed, and laptops and phones were stolen. Civil society groups accused the attackers of being aligned with police efforts to suppress dissent—an accusation the police have strongly denied.
Saba Saba Legacy
Saba Saba—Swahili for 7/7—commemorates the 1990 pro-democracy demonstrations that ultimately pressured Kenya’s then-government to allow multiparty elections. Over 20 people were killed and scores arrested during those original protests, which have since become a symbol of civic resistance.
CHECK ALSO| Saba Saba protests: Nairobi on lockdown as Kenyans rally against Ruto
This year’s protests, organized mostly by youth-led movements, reflect a new generation’s struggle for transparency, justice, and reform in a country grappling with economic strain and political disillusionment.
About The Author
