Amidst the chaotic scene in Nairobi on Saba Saba Day, a poignant reminder of Kenya’s long history of striving for democracy unfolded. Protesters sought refuge from clouds of tear gas unleashed by police, a stark image captured by Simon Maina from AFP that echoes the reality of civil dissent in many corners of the globe.
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Recent reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reveal a staggering toll; at least 31 lives have been lost, with over 107 individuals suffering injuries during the nationwide demonstrations. Such figures shock the conscience and prompt us to consider the cost of civic engagement. How many more must suffer before change is genuinely realized?
On Tuesday, the KNCHR also noted two forced disappearances in the wake of the protests. These incidents remind us that the quest for justice is often fraught with peril. In their initial assessment, the commission had counted 10 dead and 29 wounded, but these numbers continue to escalate, with at least 532 arrests documented throughout the protests.
The atmosphere grew tense as clashes erupted not only in Nairobi but also in the city of Eldoret. The KNCHR accused police forces of collaborating with armed gangs wielding machetes and spears, creating a volatile environment where law enforcement seemed complicit in the chaos rather than a stabilizing force. This revelation raises troubling questions: Are the protectors of the law potentially furthering the unrest?
Property damage was prevalent as well, including the destruction of supermarkets, leaving communities to grapple with the aftermath. The KNCHR firmly condemned the violations of human rights and implored accountability from all involved parties—police forces, civilians, and all stakeholders. This call for accountability resonates strongly. When rights are infringed upon, who will answer for it?
These protests commemorate Saba Saba Day, an occasion of profound significance that dates back to July 7, 1990. This was when Kenyans made their voices heard, calling for a return to multiparty democracy following years of oppressive rule under then-President Daniel arap Moi. This year’s march, however, not only honored that historical moment but also highlighted grievances that have festered under the weight of economic decline, rampant corruption, and police brutality, conditions that have ignited a spark in a new generation of activists.
The protest movement, largely fueled by the youth, has transformed into a powerful force since June 2024 when proposed tax increases first spurred public outrage. The cries for change have now escalated into demands for President William Ruto’s resignation. Given these escalating tensions, one might ask: what incidents have sparked the most fury, and how do they reflect the broader discontent in society?
In a shocking turn of events, the Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group remarked that heavily armed police deployed military-grade weapons, blatantly disregarding court directives. They reportedly utilized masks and unmarked vehicles to obfuscate their identities, raising chilling concerns about accountability. As we reflect on these actions, we must ponder the critical role of transparency and the fundamental principles of justice. What happens when those sworn to protect become the oppressors?
As the unrest spread across 20 of Kenya’s 47 counties on that fateful Monday, from Nairobi to Kakamega, the situation seemed increasingly untenable. With Tuesday’s toll noting over 100 lives lost since protests began last year, the urgency for meaningful change has never been clearer. Just two weeks prior, unrest had claimed at least 16 individuals during rallies focused on police brutality and systemic corruption. The human toll evokes a visceral response—how can we stand by when so many lives are at stake?
President Ruto’s controversial remarks on Wednesday suggested a violent approach to quelling unrest, stating that protesters who vandalize should be shot in the leg. “They shouldn’t kill the person, but they should hit the legs to break them,” he said. These statements prompt a deeper examination of the moral implications of state-sanctioned violence. Does punishment justify the means when lives—human lives—hang in the balance?
In a notable response, the Kenya National Cohesion and Integration Commission criticized the excessive force allegedly used by police against protesters. This government body, whose commissioners are appointed by the president, called for restraint and cautioned politicians against exacerbating ethnic tensions. Such appeals serve as vital reminders of the connections between governance, public safety, and civic liberty.
Before the revised figures were released, the United Nations human rights office expressed profound concern over the violence, acknowledging that many of the deaths occurred amidst reports of lethal force used to suppress demonstrations. This international perspective adds a layer to the discourse: what are the global ramifications of civil unrest, and how do they affect Kenya’s standing on the world stage?
As the dust settles from these demonstrations, it is clear we stand at a crossroads. The desire for change must persist, but at what cost? It’s imperative that we engage deeply with these narratives, empathizing with the people behind the numbers, and work together towards a future where such tragedies are not repeated.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
