Gunshots rock Kitengela as Saba Saba protests escalate
By Nancy Marende, July 7, 2025Gunshots rocked Kitengela in Kajiado County as protesters engaged police during the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests.
Armed anti-riot police officers swung into action on Monday, July 7, 2025, after the protesters took to the streets at around 10:00 am.
The youth blocked the Nairobi–Namanga Road, paralysing transport along the highway, which had been flowing smoothly earlier in the morning.
They lit bonfires using tires before police intervened.
Police are currently using tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Shops in Kitengela have remained closed as officers continue to engage the protesters.
The General Service Unit (GSU) has reinforced other police units to assist in managing the situation. Two anti-riot water cannons have also been deployed in Kitengela town.
According to Securex Agencies Limited, crowd activity is underway in various locations. Road disruptions and active police operations continue to be reported across key areas.
Other Areas
In a statement on July 7, 2025, the security agency revealed that teargas was deployed as groups attempted to proceed towards the Nairobi CBD at the Thika Road and Roasters Roundabout.
Confrontations between police and protesters were reported, and tear gas was deployed at the Kihunguro Area in Ruiru.
Similarly, the Agency reported that a roadblock was in place at the Vincentian Retreat Centre, Thika Road, with no movement of vehicles or pedestrians allowed from Thika towards the CBD as of 11:30 am.
“Police report running confrontations at the Thika Road and Allsops Area with groups attempting to access the CBD as at 11:15 am,” read the statement in part.
Further, the Agency revealed that the three motorbike operators arrested for unauthorised entry into the CBD were booked at Central Police Station as of 11:10 am at Kenyatta Avenue.
On July 7, 1990, nationwide protests erupted to demand the reintroduction of a multi-party political system, in opposition to the authoritarian one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi.
Despite a government ban and the arrest of key pro-democracy figures like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, thousands defied the crackdown, leading to violent confrontations with police that resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and detentions, ultimately forcing the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991 and paving the way for democratic reforms.