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First Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Riot, repression and reform: Will Kenya finally change?
If the Kenyan government does not change course, it won't just endanger the country but also destabilise the region read more (File) Riot police patrol on a road covered with rocks, during demonstrations to mark the historic 1990 Saba Saba (a Swahili word that means seven seven) protests for democratic reforms in the Kangemi slum of Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, July 7, 2025. AP July 7, 2025, marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba (Seven Seven) protests in Kenya. On that day in 1990, pro-democracy demonstrators filled the streets of Nairobi to challenge President Daniel arap Moi's one-party regime. This year, the anniversary was not a commemoration—it was a continuation. In recent weeks, protests have swept across Kenya; these protests have met with lethal state violence and mass arrests. The question now looms larger than ever: can Kenya break the cycle of repression—or will it repeat history, yet again? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mayhem and Massacre Revisited On June 25, 2025, 19 people were killed and hundreds injured as police opened fire on protestors. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of opposition blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang in police custody and coincided with the anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, during which at least 63 people were killed. Just two weeks later, on July 7 (Saba Saba Day), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 31 more deaths, over 100 injuries, 532 arrests, and two forced disappearances. Police violence has become the state's default response to public dissent. 'Shoot the Legs': Ruto's Chilling Orders President William Ruto, elected in 2022 on promises of reform, has instead responded to civil unrest with rhetoric of war. Blaming political opponents and labeling protesters as 'terrorists,' he declared: 'Those who attack our police… that is a declaration of war. We are going to deal with you firmly… They shouldn't kill them (protesters), but they should shoot their legs so they break, and they can go to hospital on their way to court.' Such remarks shocked many Kenyans and underscored the regime's deepening authoritarian tendencies. Broken Promises, Boiling Anger Ruto rose to power vowing to uplift Kenya's struggling masses—but Kenyans today are more disillusioned than ever. Youth unemployment is rampant, inflation bites hard, and corruption remains pervasive. What fuels these protests is not just outrage over one death—but anger over decades of economic despair and political betrayal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protest as a Constant—and a Crime Kenya's Constitution guarantees the right to protest under Article 37. This right is also enshrined in international treaties such as the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Yet, in practice, every Kenyan regime—from colonial rule to the current one—has criminalized protest. The cycle is tragically familiar: protest erupts, the state responds with brute force. History of Repression and Resistance 1. Mau Mau Uprising (1951–1960): Anti-colonial revolt led by the Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu. Over 11,000 killed, 1 million displaced. It eventually paved the way for independence in 1963. 2. Jomo Kenyatta Era (1964–1978): Initial unity gave way to suppression of dissent. Protests followed political assassinations (Pinto, Mboya, Kariuki). The Kisumu Massacre (1969) saw security forces fire on protesters during Kenyatta's visit. 3. Daniel arap Moi Era (1978–2002): Moi turned Kenya into a de jure one-party state. Student uprisings, an aborted coup, mass detentions, torture, and the watershed Saba Saba protest of 1990 eventually forced a return to multi-party democracy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 4. Mwai Kibaki Era (2002–2013): Initial optimism faded amid corruption and electoral fraud. Post-election violence in 2007 killed 1,100 and displaced 600,000. 5. Uhuru Kenyatta Era (2013–2022): Controversial elections sparked mass protests. The 2017 election annulment by the Supreme Court was historic but followed by more clashes and deaths. 6. William Ruto Era (2022–present): Disputed elections, protests against economic hardship, and the Gen Z-led 2024 Finance Bill uprising all mark Ruto's troubled tenure. That uprising led to the storming of Parliament and dozens of deaths. Back to Saba Saba, Once Again Kenya is burning once more. The death of Albert Ojwang lit the fuse. On June 25, 2025, 16 people were killed across 27 counties. On July 7, another 31 fell. But this is more than rage—it is remembrance. For many, these rallies aren't only protests. They're echoes of a long fight for freedom, democracy, and dignity. Writing on the Wall President Ruto is three years into his term. The next election is two years away. Between now and then, he must choose: reform or repression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He must listen to the valid grievances of Kenya's youth, address inequality, curb police brutality, and begin the hard work of healing a fractured nation. The police's place is not on the streets terrorizing citizens—but in the barracks, serving the people. If the government does not change course, it won't just endanger Kenya—it may destabilise the region. The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
eNCA
10-07-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Kenya's president warns against bid to 'overthrow' govt by protests
NAIROBI - Kenyan President William Ruto warned Wednesday against attempts to "overthrow" the government through "unconstitutional means" and ordered police to shoot violent protesters in the leg, days after 31 people were killed in nationwide anti-government demonstrations. His toughest remarks yet come as the east African nation faces a wave of violent protests over economic stagnation, corruption and police brutality. "They want to start chaos, organise protests, burn people's property, bring disaster so as to overthrow the government before 2027... This is a democratic country," Ruto told supporters in the capital Nairobi, speaking in Swahili. "This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and want a change of government through unconstitutional means," he said. "You cannot sponsor violence and go scot-free," he added, saying any attacks on the police would be seen as a "declaration of war". Ruto, who was elected in 2022, also said violent protesters "should be shot in the leg, be taken to hospital and taken to court". The demonstrations began in June last year as a youth-led anti-taxation protest, which subsequently forced the government to withdraw the contested finance bill. But many of Kenya's youth are once again engaging in protests, which last month degenerated into looting and violence, killing dozens and destroying thousands of businesses. They are disillusioned by the economic situation, corruption and high taxes, as well as police brutality after a teacher died in custody last month. Fifty-one people have died in protests over the last two months, according to an AFP tally citing rights groups. Rallies early this week saw hundreds arrested and scores wounded. Rights groups said 31 people died across the country in the protests which marked Saba Saba day -- meaning Seven Seven -- or July 7, 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-president Daniel arap Moi. Protesters accuse the authorities of paying armed vandals to discredit their movement, while the government compared a demonstration in June to an "attempted coup". - Boycott call - Opposition leaders, including Ruto's former deputy and ally Rigathi Gachagua, have accused the government of unleashing state-sponsored violence against its citizens, slamming it as "hostile". AFP/File | Luis TATO On Tuesday, they called on the public to "boycott all businesses, services and institutions owned, operated or publicly linked to this regime and its enablers". Gachagua campaigned for Ruto during the 2022 election but the two fell out last year, leading to his impeachment. Ruto's allies have accused Gachagua of bankrolling violent protests, with some calling for his arrest. He has denied the accusations. Marches last month marked the one-year anniversary of the anti-tax protests that saw young demonstrators breach parliament on June 25, with rights groups saying at least 60 people died in last year's rallies. Social media and rising economic expectations have fanned anger over inequalities in a country where around 80 percent are trapped in informal, poorly paid jobs. UNTV/AFP |
ITV News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Kenya protests: 31 people killed in highest daily death toll since unrest began
The death toll of anti-government protests in Kenya on Monday has risen to 31 – marking the highest single-day toll since demonstrations began earlier this year. Another 107 people were injured and more than 500 were arrested amid widespread destruction of property, including supermarkets, the state-funded human rights commission said. The watchdog did not say whether any security forces were included in the death toll. For weeks, Kenyans have taken to the streets to protest against police brutality, poor governance, the rising cost of living, and to demand President William Ruto's resignation over alleged corruption. On Tuesday the UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, urged Kenya's government to address protesters' grievances and called for "calm and restraint, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly". Monday's protests coincided with the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba Day (meaning "Seven Seven" in Swahili), which saw Kenyans take to the streets in 1990 to demand free elections and a return to multi-party democracy. That demand was realised during the 1992 general elections. Protesters on Monday were met with police roadblocks preventing access to downtown Nairobi, while officers used tear gas and water cannons to keep demonstrators away. There have also been unconfirmed reports of police opening fire on protesters. Video footage geolocated by ITV News' North American partner CNN shows a civilian in Kiambu County stepping out of a car surrounded by armed officers, and then being whipped repeatedly by one of them. They cover their head to protect themself, and do not appear to be threatening the officer in any way. In a statement on Monday night, Kenya's police service said that 'each reported incident will be subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law'. A wave of protests was sparked by a teacher and blogger's death in police custody last month. Police shot a civilian at close range during a protest on June 17, prompting thousands of people across the country to take to the streets. A total of 50 people have been killed in the protests over the last two weeks, more than half of whom last their lives on Monday alone. Yesterday, the Kenya National Cohesion and Integration Commission, a government body whose commissioners are appointed by the president, urged politicians not to fuel ethnic tensions and criticised police for using excessive force towards Minister Kipchumba Murkomen last week told police to 'shoot on sight' anyone who approaches police stations during protests after several were burned. Public anger has built on Ruto's efforts to make Kenyans pay more to help pay off massive government debt. Last year, thousands of young people protesting rising taxes stormed parliament, leading Ruto to promise to cut government spending. Some people have been taking advantage of the chaos by looting shops, with some business owners saying they have lost large amounts of goods. "They invaded our shop, and by the way, we have lost so many things. We lost cash, phones, a lot of them,' mobile phone seller Nancy Gicharu said. The clampdown comes after individuals described by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission as 'hired goons' who were 'sent by the state to silence dissent' stormed the NGO's office. In a statement on Sunday night, the human rights body said those who entered the building 'violently disrupted a press conference by Kenyan mothers calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting protesters ahead of Saba Saba demonstrations'. A police spokesman said: 'The National Police Service is looking into the incident and shall take appropriate steps after reviewing the unacceptable clip.' Earlier on Sunday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies were 'on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property'. Murkomen previously described last month's demonstrations as 'terrorism disguised as dissent,' in a statement that further reignited outrage.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
UN says ‘deeply troubled' by Kenya protest killings
GENEVA: The United Nations on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the deaths of at least 10 people in Kenya where police and protesters clashed during anti-government demonstrations the previous day. The violence erupted on Saba Saba Day (meaning Seven Seven) when demonstrators annually mark the events of July 7, 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-president Daniel arap Moi. 'We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya,' UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva. She said that 'lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons were used' as police responded to the protests. She highlighted that Kenyan police had reported that at least 11 people were killed, 52 police officers injured and 567 arrests made. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights meanwhile reported at least 10 deaths, 29 injuries, 37 arrests and two abductions, she added. 'We have also received reports of looting and damage to public and private property by unidentified individuals in multiple locations.' Shamdasani said the violence came 'barely two weeks after 15 protesters were reportedly killed and many more injured in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya on 25 June'. UN rights chief Volker Turk renews 'his call for calm and restrain, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly', she said. 'It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed,' the spokeswoman said. The UN rights office noted that Kenyan police had announced an investigation into earlier incidents. Shamdasani stressed that 'under international human rights law, intentional lethal force by law enforcement officers, including with firearms, should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat'. Turk reiterates 'his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigated', she said. 'Those responsible must be held to account.' – AFP
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
10 dead in Kenya during protests after heavy police deployment
NAIROBI: Ten people died across Kenya during anti-government demonstrations on Monday, a rights group said, following clashes between police and protesters in the capital Nairobi's outskirts. The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also accused the police of cooperating with criminal gangs, as a heavy deployment of the security forces kept much of central Nairobi deserted ahead of the annual marches to mark Saba Saba Day. Meaning Seven Seven, the demonstrations commemorate July 7, 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-president Daniel arap Moi. The KNCHR said in a statement it 'had documented ten fatalities, twenty-nine injuries' across 17 counties, but did not provide any further details. From around midday, AFP saw running battles with groups of anti-riot police who fired teargas at small gatherings, with some of the crowd throwing rocks at officers and engaging in destructive looting. Young Kenyans, frustrated over economic stagnation, corruption and police brutality, are once again engaging in protests that last month degenerated into looting and violence, leaving dozens dead and thousands of businesses destroyed. Protesters accuse the authorities of paying armed vandals to discredit their movement, while the government has compared the demonstrations to an 'attempted coup'. On Monday, the streets of central Nairobi were quiet after police mounted roadblocks on the main roads, restricting entry to areas that were the epicentre of previous rallies. Many businesses were closed for the day. 'I have never witnessed the city centre like this,' security guard Edmond Khayimba, 29, told AFP. While the centre remained deserted, groups gathered on the outskirts in the afternoon with AFP reporters witnessing two people wounded, as well as looting and vandalism. Protesters on a major highway clashed with police blocking their entry into the city, with the small crowds chanting: 'Ruto Must Go', a popular rallying cry against President William Ruto, and 'wantam' meaning 'one term'. Again, AFP saw looting and property destruction in the surrounding area. In its statement, the KNCHR noted the presence of 'criminal gangs wielding crude weapons, including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows and arrows' during the protests in a number of counties. It said that in Nairobi 'these hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers'. It also said it had documented 37 arrests. In comments to AFP, the National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson said that the KNCHR statements 'may lack factualness many times over'. The spokesperson also reiterated that the NPS 'would never work alongside individuals called 'goons' or criminal elements', a reference to the armed men paid to disrupt demonstrations.
