10 Dead, Dozens Injured in Kenya Saba Saba Protests

At least ten people were killed and 29 injured during anti-government protests across Kenya on Saba Saba Day, marking the 35th anniversary of pro-democracy rallies. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that casualties occurred in multiple counties, with some victims shot by police, who were seen operating in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles despite a court ban. Protesters, mainly young Kenyans frustrated by police brutality, corruption, economic stagnation, and the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, clashed with security forces who used tear gas and live ammunition. The KNCHR also accused police of collaborating with criminal gangs armed with crude weapons to discredit the protests, raising concerns about state-sanctioned vigilantism. The government responded with heavy security deployments, roadblocks, and restrictions in Nairobi, while the authorities condemned the protests as attempts at destabilization. The demonstrations highlight ongoing tensions over governance and police misconduct in Kenya amid calls for President William Ruto's resignation.