Kenyan police confronted demonstrators on Monday amid widespread anti-government protests. Authorities blocked key roads leading into Nairobi, and most businesses remained shut.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, a state-funded body, at least 10 people were killed and 29 others injured across the country. However, a police statement released later in the day reported 11 deaths and numerous injured officers but listed significantly fewer civilian injuries than the rights commission.
Protesters burned tires and threw stones at police, who responded with gunfire and tear gas, injuring at least one protester. Associated Press journalists at the scene saw demonstrators carrying an injured person while chanting slogans against police brutality.
The protests were organized for July 7 to speak out against police violence, government mismanagement, and alleged corruption under President William Ruto. Demonstrators also expressed anger over the rising cost of living.
July 7, or Saba Saba, holds historical importance in Kenya, marking the first large-scale demonstrations in 1990 demanding the end of the one-party system and leading to the adoption of multiparty democracy in the 1992 elections.
Nairobi Locked Down
Security forces restricted access to the city center, turning away most private and public transport vehicles and only permitting essential workers to enter on foot.
Despite the unrest, Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku instructed government workers to report to duty, claiming that services would continue uninterrupted. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen warned on Sunday that violent demonstrations would not be tolerated, emphasizing that police would be out in full force to maintain order.
Access to Parliament and the president’s office was cut off using razor wire barriers.
