Wamuzi News Ke
Tragedy struck during today’s Saba Saba Day protests as authorities confirmed the deaths of four individuals in the volatile clashes sweeping parts of Nairobi and its environs.
Two Victims Shot Dead in Kangemi
A paramedic at a local medical centre in Kangemi confirmed that two casualties arrived already deceased after being struck amid protests. One victim, not actively participating in the demonstration, was struck by a stray bullet while simply heading home, according to the medic. The chaos intensified when barricades prevented ambulances from reaching critical areas.
In graphic video footage captured on Waiyaki Way, a man is seen collapsing after being shot. That footage has since gone viral, underscoring the harsh reality of the situation.
Two Fatalities Recorded in Ngong
Police confirmed two additional fatalities in Ngong town where youths ignited bonfires and blocked roads to voice economic and political grievances. Medical sources reported that injured protesters could not access emergency services in time, resulting in two deaths and numerous other injuries.
Escalation of Violence Forces Medical Assistance Out
Responders arriving on scene in both Kangemi and Ngong were thwarted by improvised barricades, delaying medical care and worsening the death toll. In Kangemi, improvised police barricades impeded movement and pushed offices to declare mass casualty situations.
Growing Public Alarm and Rights Watch
Today’s killings mark a horrifying new phase in the ongoing protests that erupted in June over rising living costs and perceived government overreach. Amnesty International and domestic rights groups have repeatedly warned against the excessive use of force. With today’s fatalities, that warning has taken a deadly toll.
Civil society leaders demanded immediate independent investigations, citing Kenya’s Constitution and international human rights standards as benchmarks. They stress this crisis could easily spiral if current tactics continue.
What Happens Next?
- Clear and transparent disclosure from the National Police Service and Interior Ministry is now critical.
- Independent autopsies and human rights audits will be called for by advocacy groups.
- Saba Saba mobilisations scheduled for other towns today could be disrupted, given the current flashpoint triggers and public outrage.
- The political stakes loom large: will the government shift strategy ahead of further protests, or double down on security?
Nairobi at a Crossroads
As night falls, Kenyan citizens and leaders alike are asking tough questions: Will the state reassert control, or will it step back from the brink? With four lives now lost and growing numbers of injured, the answer to that question may define the nation’s future.
