Saba Saba: 4 Protesters Shot Dead in Kangemi, Ngong Amid Demonstrations
- Four people were shot dead by police during the ongoing Saba Saba protests that turned violent in parts of Nairobi
- The protests, which many had expected to be peaceful, escalated into chaos after police used tear gas to disperse crowds and prevent access to the CBD
- A protester who witnessed a shooting in Kangemi claimed the victim was not part of the demonstrations and explained what he was doing at the time
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
The Saba Saba protests, held on Monday, July 7, turned chaotic across several parts of the country, leading to the killing of four people in Nairobi.
Source: Getty Images
What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated into unrest, with youth across major towns voicing their frustrations over economic hardships and governance issues.
In Nairobi, authorities imposed a near-total lockdown of the Central Business District (CBD) by barricading almost all major roads leading into the city.
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As protests intensified, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds and maintain order.
How many people have been killed during Saba Saba?
Two protesters were shot dead in Kangemi, according to a report by KTN News.
The incident sparked outrage among Kenyans, as some claimed one of the victims was a passerby and not involved in the ongoing demonstrations.
The area, located on the outskirts of Nairobi, along the Waiyaki Way, quickly became a security flashpoint.
The media house reported that another two protesters were fatally shot in Ngong as the police clashed with the demonstrators.
Additionally, many of the injured protesters were unable to access urgent medical care due to road blockades that paralysed movement across the city.
In response, the government mounted a heavy police presence and blocked all vehicles—including long-distance buses—from accessing the CBD through the area.
Kenyans condemn killings of 4 protesters
Lorena Martinez
"May God protect Kenyans. God bless the Gen Zs. May God judge the corrupt leaders, abductors, killers, thieves, and land grabbers. RIP our fallen heroes 😭. God is in control. Amen."
Cosmas Kinyua
"This is pathetic... I'm in the area of Kangemi, and honestly, the situation is wanting."
George Ochieng
"All this could have been avoided...this anniversary is not worth celebrating, fellow Kenyans. Ona sasa, we have lost Kenyans prematurely."
Josphat Koros
"Just stay home...your life is more precious than fighting a losing battle...what is the essence of someone dying? Love your life."
Joseph Paul
"It is a serious shooting; the government should take action on this. To find out how to control the demonstration. To promote peace and security."
What did the police say about Saba Saba?
The National Police Service, in a statement released on the evening of Monday, July 7, confirmed that the number of fatalities had risen to 11.
The NPS also stated that 52 police officers deployed to provide security during the demos were injured, and 12 police vehicles were damaged in the fracas.
At least four civilian vehicles and three government-owned cars were damaged by rioters, according to NPS.
A total of 567 civilians were arrested for various offences and detained at different police stations across the country.
The NPS, through its spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, lauded the police for "remaining professional" in the service despite facing sustained violence and instances of provocation.
"The NPS also commends its officers for demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests and encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in criminal activities who are still at large to come forward and share that information by reporting to the nearest police station or contact us via our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, or FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203)," said the NPS in a statement.
Kirinyaga protesters ransack Nice Digital City Hotel
In other news, some protesters stormed the Nice Digital City Hotel, looting and vandalising property as demonstrations turned violent.
Source: UGC
Footage captured the mob hurling stones at the facility, prompting police to fire tear gas in a bid to disperse them after they refused to leave the hotel entrance.
The aftermath left doors and windows shattered, though the full extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on what the National Police Service said about the Saba Saba protests.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
