In brief
Protests across Kenya have escalated into violent confrontations resulting in significant casualties, escalating public dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's government. Authorities employed forceful measures, including live ammunition and tear gas, amidst unrest commemorating the start of Kenya's democratic movement.
Dozens of antigovernment protests erupted throughout Kenya on July 8, 2025, leading to at least 31 deaths and more than 100 injuries, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Public unrest has been fueled by growing discontent with President William Ruto's government. The police responded with aggressive tactics including live rounds, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons.The protests coincided with "Saba Saba Day," a significant date in Kenya’s history marking the beginning of the multiparty democracy movement in 1990. The term "Saba Saba," translating to "Seven Seven" in Swahili, commemorates the first pro-democracy rallies held in Nairobi.In preparation for the protests, police heavily fortified key areas, blocking access to Nairobi's central business district, leaving streets largely deserted except for a handful of demonstrators who risked their safety to voice their dissent. From elevated overpasses, officers fired tear gas at crowds gathered below, sparking chaos as some protesters retaliated by throwing rocks while others continued to chant their demands. The ongoing violence has left many concerned about the government's handling of dissent and the state of civil rights in Kenya.
