Recent protests against President William Ruto's government in Kenya have turned deadly, with at least 31 reported fatalities and over 100 injuries. The unrest coincides with Saba Saba Day, marking the start of the country's pro-democracy movement, as police respond with live ammunition and tear gas.
Clashes Erupt in Kenya Amid Antigovernment Protests
Clashes Erupt in Kenya Amid Antigovernment Protests
Violence escalates in Kenya as demonstrations against President Ruto lead to fatalities and injuries, drawing national attention.
At least 31 individuals have lost their lives and more than 100 have been injured in widespread protests across Kenya, as public outrage against President William Ruto's government reached a boiling point. Reports from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reveal that authorities made at least 532 arrests, with two individuals reported missing following the clashes.
During the unrest, police forces utilized live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas, while also deploying water cannons to disperse demonstrators gathered in various locations throughout the country. In the capital city of Nairobi, officers launched tear gas canisters from above overpasses onto protestors below, who responded with rock-throwing while others danced in defiance.
The demonstrations coincided with Saba Saba Day, a significant date in Kenya's history that marks the inception of the multiparty democracy movement in 1990. The term "Saba Saba," meaning "Seven Seven" in Swahili, refers to the initial pro-democracy rallies held in Nairobi.
In a show of force, armed police officers blocked major access roads to Nairobi's bustling central business district, rendering the usually crowded streets nearly deserted except for resolute demonstrators who persevered on foot. The situation represents a critical moment for the nation as citizens express deep dissatisfaction with the current administration.
