Saba Saba: Maina Kageni, Otile Brown Among Celebs Left Shaken by Deadly Protest
- Videos from the Saba Saba protests captured chaos and horror, but it was one disturbing clip of a man being dragged by police that truly rattled the nation
- Celebrities from different industries, from music to comedy, broke their silence as the reality of state violence unfolded across Kenyan streets
- Some called for introspection, while others shared patriotic messages as they voiced their calls for change
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On July 7, a day historically known as Saba Saba, Kenya was rocked by deadly clashes between protesters and police officers in multiple parts of the country.
Source: Instagram
What was meant to be a day of reflection and peaceful demonstrations turned into a grim reminder of the very injustices that sparked the original Saba Saba protest in 1990.
Saba Saba commemorates the July 7, 1990, protest, where thousands of Kenyans, led by opposition leaders, braved the streets to demand an end to one-party rule in favour of multi-party democracy.
It remains a powerful symbol of resistance and a call for accountability in Kenya’s political landscape.
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What Happened on Saba Saba 2025?
This year’s Saba Saba protest, the 35th anniversary, came amid weeks of nationwide unrest, with Kenyans demanding good governance, accountability, and most urgently, an end to rampant police brutality.
Ironically, in many parts of the country, it was the same brutality that defined the day.
Violent confrontations broke out in places like Rongai, Ngong, Kangemi, and Kiserian, where gunshots echoed and the air was thick with tear gas.
Clips that flooded social media depicted horrifying scenes, bodies lying motionless on the roads, protesters being beaten with batons and crude weapons, and officers firing at unarmed civilians.
However, it was one video, more chilling than the rest, that ignited national outrage: a group of heavily armed police officers dragging the nearly undressed body of a man into a police station after allegedly shooting him.
How did celebs react to Saba Saba?
The harrowing visuals sparked emotional reactions from many Kenyans, including high-profile celebrities who took to social media to express their anger, sorrow, and disbelief.
TUKO.co.ke has compiled some of their comments:
1. Maina Kageni
The veteran radio host poured out his frustration on Instagram writing:
"Yaani tumefika hapa!!!! A police officer who is supposed to protect you ndio anakuambia ati 'nikona ruhusa ya kukuuwa'? When did killing become this normal?"
2. Otile Brown
On his instagram stories, the popular R&B singer penned a short but commanding message:
"I weep for my country."
3. Terence Creative
The popular comedian posted an image of a torn Kenyan flag, captioned with a line from the national anthem.
"Nasi tujitoe kwa nguvu, nchi yetu ya Kenya tunayoipenda, tuwe tayari kuilinda," followed by crying emojis.
4. Abel Mutua
Actor and filmmaker Abel Mutua joined the conversation, calling for introspection:
"We really need to interrogate ourselves as a country."
5. Njugush
Despite being abroad, comedian Njugush also weighed in, posting a patriotic song alongside an image of the Kenyan map fashioned in the colours of the national flag.
His caption was simple:
"Heartbroken."
6. Mulamwah
The comedian was especially moved by the video of the man being dragged and vented through his Instagram Stories:
"Lakini kushoot msee alafu umvurute chini? For what? For how much and to please who? Is it worth it? How do you sleep? Watoto wanakula na kusomea hizo pesa after hio mauaji? Such a cursed task force! Pole sana kwa waliopoteza maisha, we still hope for a better nation."
7. Amber Ray
Social media personality Amber Ray also added her voice, saying:
"Yesterday, the streets spoke, they echoed pain, power, and purpose. Young voices rose like thunder, not in anger, but in hope. Saba Saba reminded us that the spirit of ’92 still lives on: in every step marched, every chant raised, and every tear shed for a better Kenya. To those who showed up, physically, online, in prayer, or in spirit, you are the heartbeat of this nation. We may be bruised, but we are not broken. Change is coming, because we are awake now."
Source: Instagram
How many were killed during Saba Saba protests?
In a related update, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that at least 10 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries during the Saba Saba protests.
By 6:30 pm, the commission had also documented 29 injuries connected to the demonstrations, which took place across 17 counties.
KNCHR also reported two cases of abduction and 37 arrests, noting that many of those detained appeared to be Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) or individuals involved in organising the protests.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
