Kenya: Police use water cannons and tear gas against protests

Kenya: Police use water cannons and tear gas against protests

Kenyan police have used tear gas and water cannons against protesters taking part in the 35th anniversary of a pro-democracy march. The march has stoked anti-government sentiment among Kenyan youth, already angered by allegations of corruption, police brutality and kidnappings of government critics.

Wave of protests in Kenya

The East African country has been hit by a wave of bloody protests since last year, sparked by an unpopular finance law. This law, which increased taxes amid a cost of living crisis, led to massive popular unrest. In June last year, the Kenyan government withdrew the law, but the recent move has sparked anger in society Death of a teacher in police custody and the police shooting of an unarmed street vendor continued.

Protests and their consequences

Last month, anti-government protests saw at least 16 people killed and hundreds injured. During the Anti-tax demonstrations many more people died in 2024.

The Saba Saba demonstrations

On Monday, people gathered in several parts of Kenya to mark the anniversary of the July 7, 1990 pro-democracy march known as Saba Saba. In the capital Nairobi, protesters were pushed back by Kenyan security forces using tear gas and water cannons after blocking major roads into the city. The streets leading to the parliament building and the president's office and residence were also blocked in advance of the demonstrations.

Reports of police violence

On Monday afternoon there were reports of police firing on protesters. Police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga told CNN he was not informed of any deaths. The police crackdown follows reports that people described by the Kenya Human Rights Commission as "deployed henchmen" stormed the NGO's office to silence dissent. These people had violently interrupted a press conference by Kenyan mothers calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of protesters.

Government reactions

Kenyan government official Isaac Mwaura referred CNN to the police spokesman when asked for comment on the allegations. Police spokesman Nyaga said the National Police is investigating the incident and will take appropriate action after reviewing the “unacceptable clip” shared by the NGO.

Warnings of unrest

Already on Sunday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies were "on heightened alert to take decisive action against criminals and other ill-intentioned elements who could infiltrate peaceful protests and cause chaos, unrest or damage to property." Murkomen described last month's protests as “Terrorism disguised as dissent”, which further fueled public outrage.