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Demonstrations Continue in Kenya: Government Urges Public Servants to Report to Duty

July 8, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

Kenyans had planned demonstrations on July 7 to protest against police brutality, poor governance, and to demand President William Ruto’s resignation over alleged corruption and the high cost of living.

There is no let-up in demonstrations in Kenya. Police clashed with demonstrators during anti-government protests, with authorities blocking major roads leading into the capital, Nairobi, and most businesses closing.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 10 people died on Monday, and another 29 were reported injured nationwide. Numerous police officers had been injured, although it counted far fewer injured civilians than the rights watchdog. Protesters lit bonfires and hurled stones at police at roadblocks, and police fired and hurled teargas canisters.

Police officers were stopping private and public vehicles from accessing the city centre. They were also blocking most pedestrians from entering the capital, only allowing through those deemed to have essential duties. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku had urged all government employees to report to work, insisting that the demonstrations would not disrupt public services.

July 7, known as Saba Saba, is a significant date in Kenya’s recent history, marking the first major protests 35 years ago that called for a transition from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy, which was released in the 1992 elections.