On Saba Saba Day, protests across Kenya escalated into violent clashes with police, resulting in significant casualties and arrests, highlighting growing discontent with the government.
**Kenya's Protests Trigger National Outcry Amid Government Tensions**
**Kenya's Protests Trigger National Outcry Amid Government Tensions**
Nationwide demonstrations against President Ruto erupt, leading to violence and over 30 deaths.
Amid mounting frustration and discontent towards President William Ruto's administration, protests erupted across Kenya on Saba Saba Day, leading to a violent confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement. At least 31 people have been reported dead and over 100 injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The protests celebrated the inception of Kenya’s multiparty democracy movement in 1990, but the day quickly transformed into a scene of chaos.
In a show of force, police response included live rounds, tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse large gatherings of protesters in the capital Nairobi and other cities. Eyewitness accounts describe a tense atmosphere, with officers launching tear gas canisters from overpasses toward demonstrators who retaliated by throwing rocks and demanding government accountability.
The KNCHR reported a stark rise in arrests, documenting at least 532 detentions and two forced disappearances linked to the protests. Streets leading to Nairobi's central business district were barricaded by police, creating an eerie silence in typically bustling areas as only a handful of protesters attempted to make their voices heard.
The dramatic events of July 8 highlight the critical pressure the Ruto government faces, as citizens demand answers over economic hardships and governance issues exacerbated by recent policies. The protests underline a growing divide between the government and the populace, raising questions about the future stability of Kenya in the current climate of unrest.
