Death and anarchy mark 35th Saba Saba Day celebrations
By late night today, at least eleven deaths, most of them related to police gunshots were reported amid massive looting by suspected goons whose attacks and raids even in residential areas painted a chilling and emboldened downwards spiral to anarchy
A trail of death, indiscriminate looting and anarchy marked today’s Saba Saba Day celebrations as protests rocked at least seventeen counties across the country majorly the metropolitan counties and Central Kenya.
By late night today, at least eleven deaths, most of them related to police gunshots were reported amid massive looting by suspected goons whose attacks and raids even in residential areas painted a chilling and emboldened downwards spiral to anarchy.
At least seven people were shot dead in Nairobi, Kajiado, and Nyandarua counties.
Two of the fatalities are alleged to have been shot by police officers deployed in Kangemi, Nairobi, to prevent protesters from accessing the Central Business District (CBD).
Another person was reported dead in Donholm.
The killings occurred as protesters clashed with police in running battles after officers established roadblocks on various roads around the city to control movement into the CBD.
In what was widely described as betrayed cause, Kenyans across the country witnessed the mayhem as they marked the 35th anniversary of the July 7, 1990 protests that led to multiparty democracy in the country.
By 6:30 p.m. today, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) had also documented 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests in 17 counties.
However, the National Police Service said that the official number death toll recorded countrywide stands at eleven fatalities.
In a statement, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that 11 people lost their lives, 52 police officers were injured, and 11 civilians sustained injuries.
As a result of the day’s events, Nyaga said a total of 567 suspects were arrested, including Gitonga Mukunji, the Member of Parliament for Manyatta constituency, for alleged involvement in criminal activities.
The NPS also reported significant property damage, including 12 police vehicles, 3 government vehicles, and 4 civilian vehicles.
“Certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts, including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting,” the spokesperson stated. “The NPS commends the majority of Kenyans for being law-abiding and for heeding the call to maintain law and order.”
The NPS noted that despite sustained provocation from violent elements who infiltrated what were intended to be peaceful protests, officers exercised restraint and professionalism.
For the better part of the day, Nairobi remained a ghost town under police imposed lockdown as authorities blocked major roads leading into the capital, Nairobi, and most businesses closed amid the strictest measures yet to contain the unrest.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had planned to lead a commemorative rally at Kamkunji Grounds, canceled the event citing heavy police presence.
Speaking at Serena Hotel, Odinga condemned the state’s use of force and warned of creeping authoritarianism.
“What was meant to be a peaceful day of national reflection turned into a day of fear. This government is using force to silence its own citizens,” Odinga, who is part of a “broad-based” governing alliance, said.
He proposed an urgent Inter-Generational National Conclave to chart reforms, address youth unemployment, promote accountability, and restore civic freedoms.
“The people are hungry, the youth are angry, and the leadership is absent. We must act now,” he added.
KNCHR called on the government to respect civil liberties, cease its assault on civic space, and allow peaceful protests to proceed without intimidation.
“We urge authorities to comply with court orders and uphold the Constitution. No amount of force can suppress a generation’s demand for dignity and justice,” the Commission said.
