Tensions are soaring in Nairobi as the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba uprising ignites fierce protests against the Kenyan government. Demonstrators are clashing violently with police, who are responding with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. The atmosphere is charged, with gunfire ringing out as young Kenyans rally for change amidst widespread discontent over economic stagnation, rampant corruption, and police brutality.
Witnesses report chaotic scenes in the streets, where protesters are hurling stones at law enforcement, who are determined to maintain order. Barricades have been erected, limiting access to the central business district, pushing the demonstrations to adjacent areas. The anger is palpable; protesters are demanding accountability and better governance, while ordinary citizens express their frustrations over police violence.
Felix Minga, our correspondent on the ground, describes a day filled with escalating confrontations. “The police are firing warning shots and deploying tear gas canisters, while protesters are lighting bonfires in defiance,” he reports. The situation is exacerbated by the memory of previous protests where lives were lost, leaving many fearful yet resolute in their quest for justice.
As night approaches, opposition leader Raila Odinga is expected to join the protests, potentially drawing even larger crowds. The stakes are high, and the tension is thick—Kenyans are adamant that they will not retreat until their voices are heard. With the situation rapidly evolving, the nation holds its breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution as the protests continue to unfold.