Wamuzi News Ke
Demonstrations marking Saba Saba Day erupted into violence today as police fired rubber bullets and water cannons in Nairobi’s Mukuru kwa Njenga slum and Kitengela town. At least two civilians were confirmed injured, in what is rapidly being described as one of the most volatile protest episodes in recent history.
Rubber Bullet Hits Civilian in Mukuru
Footage circulating on social media and obtained by Wamuzinews.co.ke shows civilians rushing an injured man, identified only as “Dennis”, to a medical facility. Dennis was struck in the leg by a rubber bullet during clashes with riot police—rendering him immobile, though his injuries are not life-threatening. Witness testimony indicates he was attempting to flee as police moved in to disperse the crowd.
Injuries After Water Cannon Assault in Kitengela
Meanwhile in Kitengela township, youth set bonfires and blocked key roads in a protest against economic conditions and political grievance. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons. A second protester sustained non-life-threatening injuries after coming into contact with the high-pressure water jet. Images from the scene depict thick smoke and tense standoffs between officers and defiant youths.
Police Reinforce Roadblocks to Contain Protests
Simultaneously, law enforcement established roadblocks across multiple routes into Nairobi’s CBD, including Thika Road, Ngong Road, Uhuru Highway, and Jogoo Road. The intention: contain protest movements and stem the flow of demonstrators from Nairobi’s outskirts. Nonetheless, flash protests emerged in Kitengela, Ngong, Kiserian, Kangemi, and Mukuru.
Political Pressure and Public Outcry
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had urged restraint from police ahead of Saba Saba Day, stressing the importance of measured response in the face of civil unrest. Yet today’s deployment saw tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets employed across multiple hotspots. The use of non-lethal but painful crowd-control methods is already sparking anger from civil society leaders and human rights advocates who decry the heavy-handed tactics.
Saba Saba Day Escalates into a Test of National Restraint
The incidents mark a stark turning point in what began as a largely peaceful planned demonstration to challenge economic hardship and governance issues. With two confirmed injuries and growing tension in urban and peri-urban centers, Kenya stands at a crossroads. Observers are watching closely: will these protests descend further into violence or will authorities exercise the “restraint” demanded by the Interior CS?
What’s Next
- Updates on Dennis’ medical status and injuries in Kitengela.
- Statements from the National Police Service and Interior Ministry.
- Possible legal challenges over excessive use of crowd-control force.
