Kenyan police opened fire on protesters Monday during the 35th anniversary of historic democracy rallies. Officers killed 11 people across the country as angry crowds filled the streets of Nairobi. The death of blogger Albert Ojwang last month sparked fresh outrage against government forces. Police shot at demonstrators advancing from Kangemi suburb toward downtown areas. Two people died from bullet wounds at Eagle Nursing Home after six injured protesters arrived for treatment.
Kenyatta National Hospital treated 24 wounded people from the violent clashes. Police reported 52 officers suffered injuries during the confrontations with protesters. Officers used tear gas and water cannons to break up crowds marching along major roads. Government forces blocked main routes into Nairobi and restricted traffic throughout the city. Schools and shopping centers shut down as authorities prepared for trouble.
The protests began last June over tax increases but expanded to target corruption and police brutality. Human rights groups spotted unmarked vehicles carrying hooded officers without proper uniforms. Criminal gangs carrying whips and machetes worked alongside police in Nairobi and other towns. Demonstrators threw stones at mounted police officers in cities like Nakuru and Eldoret. The government minister previously labeled the protests as terrorism disguised as dissent.
July 7 marks the famous Saba Saba protests from 1990 when opponents challenged President Daniel Arap Moi. Those demonstrations led to the first multi-party elections after decades of single-party rule. Six people face murder charges over Ojwang's death but have pleaded not guilty. The 31-year-old teacher and blogger became a symbol of government oppression.
Kenyatta National Hospital treated 24 wounded people from the violent clashes. Police reported 52 officers suffered injuries during the confrontations with protesters. Officers used tear gas and water cannons to break up crowds marching along major roads. Government forces blocked main routes into Nairobi and restricted traffic throughout the city. Schools and shopping centers shut down as authorities prepared for trouble.
The protests began last June over tax increases but expanded to target corruption and police brutality. Human rights groups spotted unmarked vehicles carrying hooded officers without proper uniforms. Criminal gangs carrying whips and machetes worked alongside police in Nairobi and other towns. Demonstrators threw stones at mounted police officers in cities like Nakuru and Eldoret. The government minister previously labeled the protests as terrorism disguised as dissent.
July 7 marks the famous Saba Saba protests from 1990 when opponents challenged President Daniel Arap Moi. Those demonstrations led to the first multi-party elections after decades of single-party rule. Six people face murder charges over Ojwang's death but have pleaded not guilty. The 31-year-old teacher and blogger became a symbol of government oppression.
