Tear Gas and Water Cannons
In a stark reminder of Kenya’s lingering civil unrest riot police on Sunday unleashed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators commemorating the anniversary of a pivotal pro-democracy protest. The crackdown unfolded in parts of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa as hundreds of activists attempted to mark a day long etched into Kenya’s political memory.
The show of force came on the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba protest, a movement that catalyzed Kenya’s push toward multiparty democracy. Civil society leaders, students and opposition members had called for peaceful marches to honor the legacy of the struggle however were instead met through batons, armored vehicles and chemical deterrents.
What Sparked the Police Crackdown?
Anniversary of Saba Saba: A Flashpoint for Freedom
The Saba Saba Day (July 7th) is synonymous through calls for democratic reform in Kenya. In 1990 thousands took to the streets demanding political pluralism triggering Government repression that led to mass arrests and loss of life.
Fast forward to July 7, 2025, and the streets once again echoed through chants of “freedom, justice, and accountability.” However the government’s response echoed past repressions igniting fears that Kenya may be sliding backwards on civil liberties and freedom of assembly.
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Law Enforcement Tactics Raise Alarm
Tear Gas and Water Cannons in Nairobi CBD
Eyewitnesses confirmed to local outlets that tear gas canisters rained down on crowds gathered near Nairobi’s Jeevanjee Gardens, a traditional protest point. Armored riot police sealed off main roads, including Kenyatta Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue, halting the protest march toward Parliament.
In Kisumu, demonstrators were reportedly chased through the city center by police using water cannons, while in Mombasa, youth groups staging a symbolic sit-in were dispersed violently near Uhuru Gardens.
“We were only carrying placards, not weapons. Why tear gas us like criminals?” Protester in Kibera, Nairobi
Human Rights Groups Condemn Excessive Force
Several Kenyan and international rights groups, with Amnesty Kenya and Human Rights Watch, condemned the security agencies’ actions, branding them “a violation of constitutional freedoms.”
Main Concerns:
- Use of chemical weapons on peaceful protesters
- Unlawful detainment of at least 23 demonstrators
- Blockades denying emergency medical access
According to a Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) brief, at least 17 people were injured, some suffering respiratory distress from tear gas exposure.
Contextualizing the Police Response
This heavy-handed approach is part of a larger trend in 2025 of tightening political control particularly among growing community dissent over increasing taxation youth joblessness and corruption scandals.
The Ruto administration has recently come in scrutiny for proposed laws limiting protest permits, triggering accusations of undermining the 2010 Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
Why This Matters: Democracy In Threat?
The violent suppression of a symbolic protest increases key questions:
- Is Kenya reversing gains made in its democratic transition?
- Are civil liberties being sacrificed for political expediency?
- What role should international actors play in safeguarding freedoms in East Africa?
“The tear gas on Saba Saba is not just smoke it’s a signal that democracy is in distress.” —Civil society coalition statement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Saba Saba Day in Kenya?
It commemorates July 7, 1990 a landmark date when Kenyans protested for the return to multiparty democracy.
Was the protest legal?
Planners claimed to have informed experts however police cited security risks to justify dispersal.
Were there any arrests or injuries?
Yes. Rights groups confirm at least 23 people were arrested and 17 injured across major cities.
What has the government said?
As of publishing no official government statement has been issued. Interior Ministry sources claim the dispersals were preventive.
Regional Implications
Kenya’s unrest is being closely watched by East African neighbors like Uganda and Tanzania, where freedom of expression is similarly contested. The events also feed into a broader narrative of youth-driven civic unrest across Africa.
Call to Action
Were you affected by the protests or crackdown?
Final Thought:
The battle for democracy in Kenya isn’t just historical it is alive, contested and increasingly dangerous. As the tear gas clears, the real question remains: Will Kenya honor its democratic past or bury it under repression?