Clashes broke out between police and protesters in the suburbs of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, on the 7th, with human rights organizations and the police reporting that at least 10 people were killed in anti-government demonstrations and hundreds more were arrested.
According to AFP reports, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights also accused the police of collaborating with criminal groups and massively deploying security forces before the annual parade commemorating “Saba Saba Day,” causing most areas of central Nairobi to become deserted.
“Saba Saba Day” refers to “Seven Seven,” commemorating July 7, 1990, when the Kenyan people, after enduring years of dictatorial rule under then-president Moi, rose up to demand the restoration of multi-party democracy.
In a statement, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said it had recorded '10 deaths and 29 injuries' across 17 counties, but gave no further details.
The Kenya National Police Service issued a statement on the 7th in the evening, saying that the death toll was 11, with 52 police officers and 11 civilians injured.
Starting around noon, AFP reporters witnessed crowds clashing with riot police, with riot police firing tear gas at small gatherings while some protesters threw stones and engaged in destructive looting.
Kenyan youth, dissatisfied with economic stagnation, corruption, and police violence, once again took to the streets in protest. Protests last month escalated into looting and violence, resulting in dozens of deaths and the destruction of thousands of shops.