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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Riot, repression and reform: Will Kenya finally change?
If the Kenyan government does not change course, it won't just endanger the country but also destabilise the region read more (File) Riot police patrol on a road covered with rocks, during demonstrations to mark the historic 1990 Saba Saba (a Swahili word that means seven seven) protests for democratic reforms in the Kangemi slum of Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, July 7, 2025. AP July 7, 2025, marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba (Seven Seven) protests in Kenya. On that day in 1990, pro-democracy demonstrators filled the streets of Nairobi to challenge President Daniel arap Moi's one-party regime. This year, the anniversary was not a commemoration—it was a continuation. In recent weeks, protests have swept across Kenya; these protests have met with lethal state violence and mass arrests. The question now looms larger than ever: can Kenya break the cycle of repression—or will it repeat history, yet again? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mayhem and Massacre Revisited On June 25, 2025, 19 people were killed and hundreds injured as police opened fire on protestors. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of opposition blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang in police custody and coincided with the anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, during which at least 63 people were killed. Just two weeks later, on July 7 (Saba Saba Day), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 31 more deaths, over 100 injuries, 532 arrests, and two forced disappearances. Police violence has become the state's default response to public dissent. 'Shoot the Legs': Ruto's Chilling Orders President William Ruto, elected in 2022 on promises of reform, has instead responded to civil unrest with rhetoric of war. Blaming political opponents and labeling protesters as 'terrorists,' he declared: 'Those who attack our police… that is a declaration of war. We are going to deal with you firmly… They shouldn't kill them (protesters), but they should shoot their legs so they break, and they can go to hospital on their way to court.' Such remarks shocked many Kenyans and underscored the regime's deepening authoritarian tendencies. Broken Promises, Boiling Anger Ruto rose to power vowing to uplift Kenya's struggling masses—but Kenyans today are more disillusioned than ever. Youth unemployment is rampant, inflation bites hard, and corruption remains pervasive. What fuels these protests is not just outrage over one death—but anger over decades of economic despair and political betrayal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protest as a Constant—and a Crime Kenya's Constitution guarantees the right to protest under Article 37. This right is also enshrined in international treaties such as the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Yet, in practice, every Kenyan regime—from colonial rule to the current one—has criminalized protest. The cycle is tragically familiar: protest erupts, the state responds with brute force. History of Repression and Resistance 1. Mau Mau Uprising (1951–1960): Anti-colonial revolt led by the Kikuyu, Meru, and Embu. Over 11,000 killed, 1 million displaced. It eventually paved the way for independence in 1963. 2. Jomo Kenyatta Era (1964–1978): Initial unity gave way to suppression of dissent. Protests followed political assassinations (Pinto, Mboya, Kariuki). The Kisumu Massacre (1969) saw security forces fire on protesters during Kenyatta's visit. 3. Daniel arap Moi Era (1978–2002): Moi turned Kenya into a de jure one-party state. Student uprisings, an aborted coup, mass detentions, torture, and the watershed Saba Saba protest of 1990 eventually forced a return to multi-party democracy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 4. Mwai Kibaki Era (2002–2013): Initial optimism faded amid corruption and electoral fraud. Post-election violence in 2007 killed 1,100 and displaced 600,000. 5. Uhuru Kenyatta Era (2013–2022): Controversial elections sparked mass protests. The 2017 election annulment by the Supreme Court was historic but followed by more clashes and deaths. 6. William Ruto Era (2022–present): Disputed elections, protests against economic hardship, and the Gen Z-led 2024 Finance Bill uprising all mark Ruto's troubled tenure. That uprising led to the storming of Parliament and dozens of deaths. Back to Saba Saba, Once Again Kenya is burning once more. The death of Albert Ojwang lit the fuse. On June 25, 2025, 16 people were killed across 27 counties. On July 7, another 31 fell. But this is more than rage—it is remembrance. For many, these rallies aren't only protests. They're echoes of a long fight for freedom, democracy, and dignity. Writing on the Wall President Ruto is three years into his term. The next election is two years away. Between now and then, he must choose: reform or repression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He must listen to the valid grievances of Kenya's youth, address inequality, curb police brutality, and begin the hard work of healing a fractured nation. The police's place is not on the streets terrorizing citizens—but in the barracks, serving the people. If the government does not change course, it won't just endanger Kenya—it may destabilise the region. The author is a multi-disciplinary thought leader with Action Bias and an India based impact consultant. He is a keen watcher of changing national and international scenarios. He works as President Advisory Services of Consulting Company BARSYL. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mother mourns 'beautiful' 12-year-old shot while watching TV during Kenya protests
On Monday, as anti-government protests swept across parts of Kenya, 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki sat watching television in her family's modest home. She had no idea that the deadly clashes between these protesters and Kenya's armed police would find their way into her living room. A single bullet pierced through the roof, puncturing the ceiling and striking Njoki in the head, her mother, Lucy Ngugi, tells the BBC. Within hours, she was pronounced dead in hospital. "She was my everything," Ms Ngugisays, while sobbing in her home just outside the capital, Nairobi. "She was all I had." "Let me be the last mother to weep because of the death of a child. An innocent child. I wish she was even playing outside… but inside the house? Oh Lord, this is painful." Njoki is one of the youngest victims of the violence that has rocked Kenya over the past month. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), almost 70 people have died and hundreds were wounded in the three major protests that have taken place since June 17. The protests - mainly led by young Kenyans - reflect growing discontent over issues like the cost of living, tax hikes, runaway public debt, and police brutality. On 7 July, the day Njoki died, the authorities barricaded major roads in preparation for the demonstrations. Video evidence shows the police firing tear gas, and in some cases, live rounds in residential areas where protesters had regrouped. "The bullet came over the roof of the house. It penetrated into the ceiling, right where Njoki was seated on a chair," says Njoki's grandmother, Margaret Njeri. "Immediately, her mother grabbed her and came screaming to my home: 'Mum, my child has been shot!' I couldn't even hold the child." The family had thought they were far from the violent clashes, given they lived in Ndumberi, a village nearly two kilometres (1.2 miles) from a main road. "I was sure it was a bullet," says Njoki's mother. "The bang that hit the roof was so loud. Very loud." The police have dismissed the family's claims, insisting a bullet couldn't travel from the main road to their house. But Njoki's lifeless body told a different story. A report from the 12-year-old's post-mortem examination says doctors retrieved a bullet from her body, and that her head injury was "consistent with a gunshot". Njoki had been a Grade 7 student at Benson Njau School in Ting'ang'a, a nearby village. As the family's firstborn, she was a caretaker, helper, and the pride of the household. "She was always number one in her class," her grandmother says. "So obedient, so specific, so neat. "Even in the way she spoke. She was just a very good girl. She loved serving in church. She helped her siblings. She cooked for me. She was everything." Njoki's mother describes her as "a beautiful girl, a charming girl, who had so many dreams". Her father is crushed, unable to speak. Her siblings are also silent. Grief hangs like a shroud in the house, while Njoki's chair sits empty. 'Shoot in the leg' - Kenyan leader orders police to curb violent protests Why the death of a blogger has put Kenya's police on trial New faces of protest - Kenya's Gen Z anti-tax revolutionaries The deaths of dozens like Njoki have drawn international condemnation. The UN said it was deeply troubled by the killings and criticised the Kenyan police for using "lethal ammunition" against protesters. This all feels like a repeat of last year, when according to the KNCHR, more than 50 died in a police crackdown on months of anti-government protests. President Ruto has taken a particularly hard-line stance this time. In a national address following the 7 July protests, in which 38 people were killed, according to the state-run human rights commission, Ruto said: "Anyone caught burning another person's business or property should be shot in the leg, hospitalised and later taken to court. Don't kill them, but ensure their legs are broken." Ruto has accused political rivals of inciting violence in a bid to unseat him illegally, but the president's opponents have dismissed this allegation. Meanwhile, back in Ndumberi, Njoki's family are simply calling for an end to the brutality. "I'll bury Njoki, but I'll never forget the Saba Saba Day [7 July]. Let Njoki be the last sacrifice of these protests," her mother says. The ongoing anti-government protest movement has reshaped Kenyan politics. It has demanded transparency, empathy and a listening ear. But it has also paid in blood. And as the uprising continues, Njoki's name and those of many others lost have become a symbol - of innocence, state overreach, and a lack of accountability. "Let's not burn our country. Let's have dialogue. Let's talk. We are brothers and sisters, I'm begging our government - let this not happen to any other parent," Njoki's mother says. "Don't let another child die like Njoki." Are East African governments uniting to silence dissent? BBC identifies security forces who shot Kenya anti-tax protesters El Chapo & Deputy Jesus - why Kenya's president has so many nicknames 'We live in fear' - forced expulsions taint Kenya's safe haven image Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
11-07-2025
- Politics
Kenya opposition leaders demand president's resignation over shooting comments
GITHUNGURI, Kenya -- Kenya's opposition leaders demanded the president's resignation over his call for police to shoot those found stealing or burning property during protests, as mourners on Friday attended the burial of a Kenyan civilian who was shot at close range by a police officer during a recent demonstration. Opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka said the president's order was 'against the constitution' and that he should 'resign or be impeached.' President William Ruto said on Wednesday that he would not allow 'anarchy' in the country disguised as peaceful demonstrations, and called for police to shoot and 'break the legs' of those found looting or damaging property during protests. Human rights groups have called for restraint among police officers as waves of protests have rocked Kenya in recent weeks. More than 50 people have died in the two major demonstrations, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The unrest began when the death of a blogger in police custody last month angered many Kenyans, and tensions heightened after the shooting of the civilian, Boniface Kariuki. Kariuki was selling face masks to protesters during an anti-police brutality demonstration on June 17 when two officers appeared to confront him and shot him in the head as he walked away. On Thursday, an officer was charged with his murder. A plea hearing for the officer is set for July 28. Thousands turned out for protests on June 25, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of huge anti-tax protests. At Kariuki's burial in Githunguri, Murang'a county, his body arrived in a white coffin draped with a Kenyan flag and a photo showing the moment he was shot was placed next to it. Young people danced around the coffin while waving a Kenyan flag. No uniformed police officers were observed at the burial venue, but antiriot police remained deployed around Murang'a town. Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata said local leaders would ensure justice is served. 'The government must take responsibility for the killing of Boniface,' he said. Several mothers of the more than 100 young people who have died in protests since last year's anti-tax demonstrations were present at the burial. Four police officers are currently in custody over the recent deaths of young people and are facing murder charges in court. Three officers were last month charged with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Police had said he died after repeatedly banging his head on a wall, but a postmortem report stated that the injuries were not self-inflicted.
Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Kenyan president ‘should resign over calls for police to shoot criminals'
Kenya's opposition leaders have demanded the president's resignation over his call for police to shoot those found stealing or burning property during protests. Their calls came as mourners attended the burial of a Kenyan civilian who was shot at close range by a police officer during a recent demonstration. Opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka said the president's order was 'against the constitution' and that he should 'resign or be impeached'. President William Ruto said on Wednesday that he would not allow 'anarchy' in the country disguised as peaceful demonstrations, and called for police to shoot and 'break the legs' of those found looting or damaging property during protests. Demonstrators gesture to anti-riot police during demonstrations (Brian Inganga/AP) Human rights groups have called for restraint among police officers as waves of protests have rocked Kenya in recent weeks. More than 50 people have died in the two major demonstrations, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The unrest began when the death of a blogger in police custody last month angered many Kenyans, and tensions heightened after the shooting of the civilian, Boniface Kariuki. Mr Kariuki was selling face masks to protesters during an anti-police brutality demonstration on June 17 when two officers appeared to confront him and shot him in the head as he walked away. On Thursday, an officer was charged with his murder. A plea hearing for the officer is set for July 28. Thousands turned out for protests on June 25, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of huge anti-tax protests. At Mr Kariuki's burial in Githunguri, Murang'a county, his body arrived in a white coffin draped with a Kenyan flag and a photo showing the moment he was shot was placed next to it. Young people danced around the coffin while waving a Kenyan flag. Mourners sing and dance at the funeral service (Brian Inganga/AP) No uniformed police officers were observed at the burial venue but anti-riot police remained deployed around Murang'a town. Murang'a County governor Irungu Kang'ata said local leaders would ensure justice is served. 'The government must take responsibility for the killing of Boniface,' he said. Several mothers of the more than 100 young people who have died in protests since last year's anti-tax demonstrations were present at the burial. Four police officers are currently in custody over the recent deaths of young people and are facing murder charges in court. Three officers were last month charged with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Police had said he died after repeatedly banging his head on a wall, but a post-mortem examination report stated that the injuries were not self-inflicted. Another officer, Klinzy Barasa, on Thursday appeared in court where prosecution approved murder charges against him. He is expected to submit a plea on July 28.
Los Angeles Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Kenya opposition leaders demand president's resignation over shooting comments
GITHUNGURI, Kenya — Kenya's opposition leaders demanded the president's resignation over his call for police to shoot those found stealing or burning property during protests, as mourners on Friday attended the burial of a Kenyan civilian who was shot at close range by a police officer during a recent demonstration. Opposition figure Kalonzo Musyoka said the president's order was 'against the constitution' and that he should 'resign or be impeached.' President William Ruto said on Wednesday that he would not allow 'anarchy' in the country disguised as peaceful demonstrations, and called for police to shoot and 'break the legs' of those found looting or damaging property during protests. Human rights groups have called for restraint among police officers as waves of protests have rocked Kenya in recent weeks. More than 50 people have died in the two major demonstrations, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The unrest began when the death of a blogger in police custody last month angered many Kenyans, and tensions heightened after the shooting of the civilian, Boniface Kariuki. Kariuki was selling face masks to protesters during an anti-police brutality demonstration on June 17 when two officers appeared to confront him and shot him in the head as he walked away. On Thursday, an officer was charged with his murder. A plea hearing for the officer is set for July 28. Thousands turned out for protests on June 25, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of huge anti-tax protests. At Kariuki's burial in Githunguri, Murang'a county, his body arrived in a white coffin draped with a Kenyan flag and a photo showing the moment he was shot was placed next to it. Young people danced around the coffin while waving a Kenyan flag. No uniformed police officers were observed at the burial venue, but antiriot police remained deployed around Murang'a town. Murang'a County Governor Irungu Kang'ata said local leaders would ensure justice is served. 'The government must take responsibility for the killing of Boniface,' he said. Several mothers of the more than 100 young people who have died in protests since last year's anti-tax demonstrations were present at the burial. Four police officers are currently in custody over the recent deaths of young people and are facing murder charges in court. Three officers were last month charged with the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody. Police had said he died after repeatedly banging his head on a wall, but a postmortem report stated that the injuries were not self-inflicted. Another officer, Klinzy Barasa, on Thursday appeared in court where prosecution approved murder charges against him. He is expected to submit a plea on July 28. Komu and Musambi write for the Associated Press. Musambi reported from Nairobi, Kenya.
