Kenya’s anti-government protests turned tragic on July 7, 2025, when police fired on demonstrators resulting in at least 11 deaths and a scores of injured, which would make this one of the deadliest day of protests in recent years.
The violence erupted when tens of thousands of Kenyans took to the streets around the country to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba pro-democracy movement while calling for government accountability, lower living costs, and an end to police brutality.
A Day of Violence and Grieving
Clashes erupted between anti-government protesters and security forces in Nairobi, and at least 17 other counties. The police used tear gas, water cannons, and, eventually, live fire to disperse the crowds. Access to the city center, parliament, and the president’s office was barricaded with razor wire and access was restricted. Roads were closed, and many businesses closed as the capital prepared for unrest. Residents were warned to stay home.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said at least 10 people were dead by the end of the day Monday, while police reported 11 deaths, and nationwide, over 560 arrests. Dozens were injured, both civilians and police. Reports from human rights defenders and bystanders described chaos, with protesters lighting bonfires and throwing stones and violent police responses. There were also reports of police shooting into crowds and firing tear gas and water cannons in residential areas.
Protesters’ Demands and Government Reaction
The protests initially commemorated the Saba saba movement that ushered in multiparty democracy in 1992, but it has become a focal point for demands against President William Ruto’s administration – protesters are calling for Ruto’s resignation, citing corruption, economic hardship, and police inaction after the death of a blogger in police custody and the shooting of an unarmed street vendor.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the government would not tolerate violent protests and referred to the civil unrest as a threat to public order. Authorities defended the use of force to counter what they deemed “lawlessness,” while rights groups condemned the police response as excessive and illegal.
Global Outcry and Demand for Accountability
In response to events in Kenya, the world has expressed grave concern. The UN issued a statement on July 8, calling the use of lethal force unacceptable and insisted that the perpetrators be held to account. “We are deeply troubled by the killings, and we urge Kenyan authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and to ensure that security services act within the law”.
A Nation at the Crossroads
As Kenya grieves the victims of the deadly protests, the government is under increasing pressure to not only address the unending sources of public anger but to also reconsider the role of law enforcement. The events of July 7, 2025 have become a painful reminder of the struggle for democracy, justice, and accountability.
The next few days will be crucial as Kenyans look for answers and the world watches to see if the government will officially consider calls for the necessary dialogue and reform or whether the cycle of violence will continue.
