Reflections on a Nation in Turmoil: The Recent Protests in Kenya

On July 7, 2025, the streets of Nairobi echoed with the fervent cries of Kenya’s citizens, as police officers set barricades to block access to the central business district. This date, significant for its historical resonance, marks the 35th anniversary of the “Saba Saba” protests—an event that once galvanized the nation towards aspirations of multiparty democracy but has now manifested in tragic loss and unrest.

As reported by the police, eleven individuals lost their lives in nationwide demonstrations stemming from discontent with the government. Concurrently, reports indicated that 52 police officers sustained injuries amid the chaos. The emotional weight of these numbers paints a stark picture: lives shattered, families grieving, and a nation’s future hanging in the balance.

During these protests, police employed live rounds and water cannon against demonstrators in Nairobi, as hundreds marched, whistling defiantly against a backdrop of heavy police presence. It’s a scene reminiscent of past struggles; that July day in 1990 was not merely a moment in history but a collective sigh of hope that reverberated through the country, uniting voices clamoring for change. In an environment where freedoms can often feel ephemeral, such anniversaries serve as painful reminders of both past victories and current turmoil.

This year, the protests have taken on heightened significance, evolving into broader demands for the resignation of President William Ruto. In the eyes of many, the government’s recent actions and policies have sowed seeds of discontent. Activist Malcolm Webb from Al Jazeera reported on the tense clashes unfolding throughout the city and beyond. As protests spread, several roads became battlegrounds where citizens engaged in what they viewed as a necessary fight for their rights.

“We started receiving reports from several locations of people with gunshot wounds,” Webb noted, painting a poignant picture of a nation in distress, where the cries for justice echoed through the chaos. The actions of a few have often overshadowed the voices of many, leading to the government’s assertion that these demonstrations resemble an “attempted coup.” Perhaps it leads us to wonder: when genuine calls for equity and justice become conflated with criminality, what avenues remain for dialogue and change?

Amidst the turmoil, schools and even some shopping malls shuttered their doors in anticipation of violence, an all-too-familiar response in Kenya’s volatile political landscape. Francis Waswa, a construction worker, expressed his sentiments poignantly to the Reuters news agency: “We are not ready to go back [home] because who will fight for our rights then? We will be here till evening.” His words encapsulate the resilience of a population unwilling to retreat in the face of perceived injustice.

Underlying these protests are deep-rooted issues of corruption, police brutality, and the mysterious disappearances of dissenters. The tragic demise of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody in June, serves as a rallying cry for many. The subsequent reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights revealed a grim reality: 19 deaths during protests last month alone. The pain is palpable, and the calls for accountability are more urgent than ever. With murder charges approved against six individuals linked to Ojwang’s death, including three police officers, the tension between authorities and citizens continues to mount.

Yet, as we take a closer look at the emotions driving these protests, we must also consider the broader societal context. Eighty percent of Kenyans find themselves trapped in informal, low-paying jobs, leading to compounded frustrations in a country where social media dishes out stark reminders of the inequalities surrounding them. The intersection of rising expectations and stagnation has fueled a sense of anger that cannot be overlooked.

On the governmental side, the Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen asserted a commitment to protect lives and property during these protests, emphasizing vigilance against those who may incite violence. “Our security agencies are on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions,” he communicated on social media. However, one might ask: can there be any peace without genuine acknowledgment of grievances? Are the voices of the people being heard, or are they merely echoes trailing off into the distance?

Meanwhile, activist Hanifa Aden captured the sentiment of many frustrated citizens when she remarked on social media, “The police getting rained on as they block every road while we stay at home warming our beds.” As tensions simmer, activists are also being silenced; a recent press conference by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission was interrupted by armed individuals, a disheartening indication of the challenges that lie ahead.

As we navigate these tumultuous waters, it is crucial to keep in mind the human stories intertwined within the fabric of these events. Each protestor, each victim, and each officer involved is part of a larger narrative that speaks to the yearning for justice in a society rife with disparity.

In the backdrop of a politically charged atmosphere, President Ruto remains a formidable figure. His alliance with the main opposition leader, Raila Odinga, complicates the landscape further, leaving many to ponder what the future holds as the nation approaches the 2027 elections. The stakes are high, and the people’s voices must echo louder than the clamor of power struggles.

As history continues to unfold, one can only hope for a resolution that honors the spirit of those who fought for democracy in the past while addressing the critical issues of today. Can Kenya rise from the ashes of these protests? Only time will tell.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.