Kenya unrest: Police clash with protesters in capital
Kenyan authorities used water cannons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators on 7 July 2025, in observance of Saba Saba Day (Swahili for 'Seven Seven', commemorating the 7 July 1990 pro-democracy protests that led to Kenya's multiparty system).
On this day, a major pro-democracy rebellion in Kenya commemorates its 35th anniversary. Demands for President William Ruto's resignation grew stronger during today's rallies.
Police blocked the main roads leading to the city centre and significantly increased their presence throughout Nairobi.
Furthermore, police used razor wire to block access to the presidential office and Parliament.
In anticipation of civil unrest, many businesses and at least one shopping mall remained closed. The police response was to stop large gatherings in the main business district of the city.
On the outskirts of Nairobi, protesters started throwing stones and lighting bonfires, causing chaos.
The police used tear gas and water cannons against these groups.
According to local media, there was at least one protester fatality and multiple injuries.
Protesters loudly declared 'Wantam' and 'Ruto Must Go' against the government.
The June 2025 rallies claimed 8-16 lives nationwide, according to the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR).
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has demanded accountability for all violations, including injuries and homicides.
Armed goons disrupted a news conference hosted by the Kenya Human Rights Commission on 6 July 2025.
In addition, this incident increased concerns regarding the right to assemble.
On X, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated that the government is committed to protecting people and property.
He previously described the protests in June as 'terrorism disguised as dissent'. Several people have died in protests against taxes, police brutality, and corruption in the past.
Public indignation escalated after blogger Albert Ojwang died in police custody in June, renewing public anger.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Trump's 30% tariff on South African imports: A politically motivated move?
Donald Trump slammed SA with a tariff hike Image: Jim Watson / AFP US President Donald Trump's plan to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports is drawing sharp criticism from economists, many of whom argue the move is politically motivated rather than based on real trade imbalances. Economist Dawie Roodt believes the United States' planned 30% tariff on South African goods is being driven more by geopolitical tensions than trade data — and warns that the move could signal deeper diplomatic shifts. "This is, without a doubt in my view, driven primarily by politics — not economics," said Roodt. "South Africa is economically irrelevant to the U.S., but we play a much bigger role internationally, especially in terms of our support for certain organisations and countries the Americans don't like." Roodt's comments follow a formal letter sent by Trump to President Cyril Ramaphosa, informing him of the impending tariff, which is set to take effect on 1 August 2025. In the letter, Trump criticised South Africa's 'persistent trade deficits' and suggested that the tariff could be adjusted — up or down — depending on the country's willingness to change its trade practices and political stance. Roodt, however, argued that the logic behind the tariff doesn't hold up under economic scrutiny. 'All the economic calculations behind this are wrong. This is Trump trying to pressure South Africa to change its international political stance. Of course, there are also local factors — like the land expropriation issue — but the bigger picture here is clearly political.' While the broader economy may not feel the immediate effects, Roodt warns that the agriculture and motor industries will be hit hardest. 'For an economy that's already in ICU, this is certainly not good news,' he said. President Ramaphosa has acknowledged receipt of Trump's letter and reiterated South Africa's commitment to ongoing negotiations. The Presidency also challenged the U.S. interpretation of trade data, noting that 77% of U.S. goods enter South Africa duty-free, while the average tariff on imports stands at 7.6%. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ As both governments prepare for further talks, Roodt said the focus should remain on diversifying trade partners — though he warns this won't be easy. 'Everyone's now chasing the same markets. Diversification takes time, but it's more important than ever,' he said. Economist Ulrich Joubert agreed, explaining that the proposed 30% U.S. tariff on South African imports is significant, especially given that the United States is South Africa's second-largest export market, accounting for $8.21 billion or 8.2% of total exports in 2024. While South Africa has a $1.23 billion trade surplus with the U.S., Joubert argued this is insignificant in the context of America's global trade. He believes the tariff is politically motivated, driven by Trump's push to reduce trade deficits with multiple countries — a goal Joubert said is unrealistic. 'Trump wants balanced trade with every country, which is economically impossible,' Joubert said. 'This move is more about politics than economics.' Joubert stressed the need for market diversification and consistent diplomatic engagement, warning that future investment could suffer if trade uncertainty persists. He also raised concern over AGOA possibly ending soon, which could further hurt key export sectors like agriculture and textiles. He called for ongoing negotiations and strategic diplomacy, stating that uncertainty and rising protectionism pose a growing threat to South Africa's export-led growth. Weekend Argus
Eyewitness News
2 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
ANC top brass set to meet following serious corruption allegations against police miniter
MPUMALANGA - The ANC top brass is set to hold detailed discussions on the serious corruption allegations within the South African police service (SAPS) involving minister Senzo Mchunu. Last week, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi made damning claims of political interference in the SAPS task team investigating political killings. Mkhwanazi named Mchunu among those he believes interfered, accusing him of disbanding the unit to protect controversial businessman Vusumuzi Matlala. Speaking to reporters in Mpumalanga on Friday, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the party would place this issue on the agenda.
Eyewitness News
2 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Very solemn moment for the nation, says Ramaphosa
Mabuza, who passed away after battling a short illness last week, will be laid to rest at his home in Barbeton later on Saturday Ramaphosa, accompanied by a military parade, escorted the remains of his former deputy, David Mabuza, into the funeral ceremony. Mabuza's coffin, draped in the South African flag, was surrounded by family members who were visibly moved as his remains arrived. Ramaphosa said while this is indeed a sombre moment for the nation, Mabuza leaves behind a legacy worth honouring. "It's a very solemn moment for all of us. we are here to hobour and bury a person I worked with very closely as my deputy president. but it's also a moment to celebrate his life. he made a huge contribution to the development of our democracy. Ramaphosa commends Mabuza for championing unity instead of factional politics within the ANC.
