**Breaking News: Eleven Killed as Police Fire on Antigovernment Protesters in Kenya**
In a tragic escalation of violence, at least eleven people have been confirmed dead after police opened fire on antigovernment protesters in Nairobi, marking a dark chapter on the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba pro-democracy protests. Demonstrators, fueled by widespread anger over rampant corruption, police brutality, and the soaring cost of living, took to the streets demanding change, only to be met with a brutal crackdown.
As crowds gathered in central Nairobi, police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters who were blocking roads and setting tires ablaze. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire rang out, with rights groups reporting multiple fatalities from gunshot wounds. “We wanted peaceful demonstrations, but now tear gas is all over,” lamented one protester, underscoring the frustration that has boiled over among citizens demanding accountability from President William Ruto’s administration.
The unrest has spread beyond Nairobi, with similar confrontations reported in several towns across the country. Authorities have arrested over 500 individuals, accusing them of attacking officers and looting, yet the anger continues to simmer. “What the government has done over the last few months is shrink the civic space,” a rights advocate stated, highlighting the growing discontent against a backdrop of oppressive police tactics, including recent shoot-to-kill orders.
Masked officers have been spotted mingling with police, raising serious concerns about accountability and the safety of demonstrators. As the nation grapples with this crisis, trust in Ruto’s government has plummeted, leaving many to wonder how much longer the simmering tensions can be contained. With two years until the next election, the call for change has never been more urgent. The streets of Kenya are ablaze with anger, and the world is watching.