Kenyans Amused as Police Serve Tea and Bread to Protesters, Journalists Amid Saba Saba Tensions
- July 7 saw heavy police deployment across the country in anticipation of the much-publicised Saba Saba protests
- A light moment unexpectedly unfolded on Thika Road, where officers shared tea, bread, and boiled eggs with protesters and journalists
- TikToker Kawira, who received the tea, shared exclusive details with TUKO.co.ke about the heartwarming exchange
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Tensions rose across the country today, July 7, as Kenyans took to the streets to mark Saba Saba, a historic moment in Kenya's fight for multi-party democracy.
Source: Instagram
With Gen Z leading renewed calls for justice and accountability, protesters were expected to gather in various parts of the country, prompting a heavy police presence.
What happened during Saba Saba protests?
In Nairobi, Thika Road came to a standstill after police officers blocked access to the CBD, leading to traffic disruptions and widespread frustration.
However, amid the flaring tempers and reports of running battles between protesters and law enforcement, one unexpected moment stood out, and quickly went viral.
Along the highway, police officers deployed to counter protesters were captured on video sharing tea, bread, and boiled eggs with both journalists and demonstrators.
The mood, for a brief moment, turned unexpectedly lighthearted, offering a rare display of camaraderie during what was otherwise a tense day.
Among the beneficiaries of the police’s generosity was popular TikToker Kawira, who spoke to TUKO.co.ke about the experience.
Kawira explained that the interaction felt human, a contrast to how the police are often portrayed, and even confessed that she cheekily flirted with one of the officers.
"Like seriously, I have never met such a good cop. He is giving us bread and boiled eggs. This is a cop giving me tea, aaww, thank you. Thank you for the tea. Uko na mtu? Tall, dark, and handsome. Are you single? I don’t mind if you would become mine," she joked.
Kawira also shared additional clips with TUKO.co.ke showing the light mood as she and the officers clinked tumblers and sipped what she dubbed “government tea.”
The videos have since gone viral, attracting a wave of reactions from Kenyans online.
While many commended the officers for their kind gesture, others noted the stark contrast between the tea-sharing moments and the clashes reported during protests.
Watch the video below:
Social media reactions
Here are some reactions from social media users:
Tiger Man:
"Police are being humbled in Kenya by force by 🔥... henceforth the respect between civilian and police officers will be mutual."
Miriam Cheruto Rotich:
"They are our partners bana,mnataka tupeleke watoto wao wapi."
Douglas KE:
"Why didn't he share with amale Gen Z?
Virginia Nyambura:
"The country is heading the right direction."
Nickey Bett:
"They are our bro and sisters also policemen pick up to you people."
Violet Ambani:
"Watu wapendane~Kenya ni yetu soooote."
Eric Langat:
"The problem you don't comprehend cops are also parents to some or father's to someone else! Ni vile tu amejituma kazi."
Source: Facebook
How many people were killed in Kangemi during protests?
Citizen TV reported that two men were shot in Kangemi by the police during the Saba Saba protests.
Elvis Musavi, a firstborn in his family, was shot in the chest while returning home, according to his mother. He left behind a widow with a six-month-old son.
Another family man, Paul Mbeera, was shot outside their plot while going to the shop to buy airtime. The two men died while being rushed to Eagle Nursing Home hospital for treatment.
Their two widows broke down, mourning their husbands and demanding justice.
Kenyans, including celebrities, condemned police brutality, also demanding justice for victims of the Saba Saba protests.
Below is the video:
Did Samidoh show support for Kenyans?
In a separate update, Mugithi singer Samidoh voiced his support for Kenyans as tensions escalated during the Saba Saba protests on July 7.
Despite being abroad, the singer stood in solidarity with fellow citizens, just as he had during the June 25 Gen Z-led demonstrations.
He shared a photo on social media, dressed in his official police uniform and holding an AK-47 rifle.
To accompany the post, he layered Kenya’s National Anthem in the background, adding a patriotic touch that resonated with many.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added details on how many people were killed in Kangemi during the protests.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
