Kenya Anti-Government Protests Leave 31 Dead, 532 Arrested Across 20 Counties

Kenya experienced its deadliest day of anti-government protests on July 7, known as Saba Saba Day, with the death toll rising to at least 31 people, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). The protests, largely youth-led and triggered initially by proposed tax hikes and a blogger's death in police custody, have escalated over the past year amid grievances about economic hardship, corruption, and police brutality. In addition to the fatalities, at least 107 people were wounded and over 500 were arrested, with reports of police collaborating with armed gangs during violent clashes and widespread destruction of property, including supermarkets. The protests commemorate the 1990 uprising that led to Kenya's transition from one-party rule to a multiparty democracy, but demonstrators are now demanding President William Ruto's resignation and political reforms. The KNCHR condemned all human rights violations and called for accountability from police, civilians, and other parties involved. The UN human rights chief also urged Kenyan authorities to address the protesters' concerns while emphasizing restraint and respect for freedoms of expression and assembly.