By Evan Kibe | Mtaani Radio
More than three decades after Kenya embraced multiparty democracy—and over a decade since the promulgation of a progressive constitution that rebranded the police force into a “service”—many Kenyans are still confronting the harsh reality of police brutality during public protests.
The 2024 Saba Saba demonstrations, commemorating the original July 7 movement for democratic reform, were marked by nationwide protests led largely by Gen Z youth. While the movement highlighted a growing call for accountability and reform, the day ended in tragedy. At least 31 people lost their lives, many reportedly at the hands of security forces.
A Child’s Death That Shook a Nation
One of the most heartbreaking incidents was the death of a 12-year-old boy in Ndumberi, Kiambu County. The child was shot by police while at home—considered by his family the safest place he could be.
“No amount of compensation can bring back my son,” said the girl’s father, grief-stricken. Bullet casings were later found outside the family’s gate.
Former Kiambu Town MP Jude Njomo criticized the failure to uphold constitutional standards on police use of live ammunition during demonstrations, calling for stricter enforcement of the laws meant to protect civilians.
“Protect, Not Kill,” Say Protest Organizers
In Dagoretti, local youth leader Michael Wainaina led a peaceful procession demanding justice for victims of police brutality. Wainaina pointed to remarks made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen—allegedly encouraging a “shoot to kill” approach—as a contributing factor to the heavy-handed response by law enforcement.
However, Riruta Chief Joseph Murage defended the government’s deployment of over 300 officers during the June 25 protests, citing significant damage to public property. He confirmed that many of the deployed officers were sourced from outside counties like Kilifi.
Enforced Disappearances and Abductions
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid from Haki Africa recounted his own abduction by police during the protests. He was detained incommunicado, moved across more than 10 police stations, and denied access to his family and legal counsel.
“When you are taken, your phone is the first thing they seize and switch off. Then you disappear into a system designed to isolate and intimidate,” he said.
Women Also Targeted
Rachel Mwikali, from the Coalition for Grassroots Human Rights Defenders Kenya, highlighted the gendered dimension of the violence. She reported incidents of sexual harassment and rape during the protests, calling it a strategy to silence women in civic spaces.
“This isn’t the first time women have been targeted. We’ve seen this pattern since the 1990s,” she added, calling on First Lady Rachel Ruto to take a stand for women’s rights in the face of escalating state violence.
Legal Gaps and the Call for Accountability
While the Constitution prohibits excessive force and extrajudicial killings, lawyer Lewis Kagiri noted a major gap: there is no legal framework to determine compensation for victims or their families.
“The Constitution outlines the rights, but not the mechanisms for restitution. Parliament must act to fill this gap,” Kagiri said.
The Voice of Experience
Veteran activist Njeru Kathangu, who led Saba Saba protests 35 years ago, warned that if the cycle of violence continues, the sacrifices of Kenya’s pro-democracy fighters will have been in vain. Former MP Koigi wa Wamwere, who spent over nine years imprisoned for speaking out against state abuse, echoed these sentiments.
“We risk sliding back into an era where police can detain without trial and silence dissent at will,” he warned.
A Disturbing Trend
Since President William Ruto took office, at least 164 Kenyans have reportedly been killed by police during protests. Hundreds more have been hospitalized or remain missing.
As calls for reform grow louder, the question remains: can Kenya strike a balance between maintaining public order and upholding the constitutional right to protest?
