Kenya faced renewed tensions on Monday, 7 July, as citizens marked the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba, the pivotal 1990 protests that propelled the country toward multiparty democracy.

In Nairobi, police sealed off key roads and deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators, leaving the city centre largely deserted.

This year’s commemorations have reignited public anger, particularly among younger Kenyans who are frustrated with high levels of corruption, economic hardship and police abuses. Reports claim that at least 80 people have been killed since June 2024.

Recent demonstrations have turned deadly, with allegations of violent groups using the protests to loot and attack other strikers. Many civil society organisations allege that infiltrators are being used to discredit their movement, while the government has likened the rallies to an “attempted coup”.

A press conference by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) on Sunday, 6 July, was violently disrupted by unidentified men. “They were carrying sticks and forced their way in,” said KHRC’s Ernest Cornel.

Despite President William Ruto’s strong political position, critics argue the government is resorting to outdated tactics. “They don’t seem to have realised the world is different,” said political analyst Gabrielle Lynch. “People don’t have the same inbuilt fear of the state.”

As Kenya reflects on its democratic journey, the growing unrest signals a population unwilling to remain silent to injustices.

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