On July 7, 2025, Kenya marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests with a powerful display of people’s power, as thousands of predominantly young Kenyans took to the streets to demand justice, accountability, and an end to systemic issues like police brutality, corruption, and economic hardship. The protests, dubbed the “Saba Saba People’s March,” brought Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and major towns across the country to a standstill, showcasing the unyielding spirit of a generation determined to reclaim their voice.
A City on Pause: Nairobi CBD Locked Down
Nairobi, the bustling heart of Kenya, transformed into a ghost town on Monday morning as the government preemptively sealed off major roads leading to the CBD, including Waiyaki Way, Kenyatta Avenue, Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Kiambu Road, Uhuru Highway, and Valley Road. Police barricades and razor wire blocked access to key government installations like Parliament and State House, allowing only emergency vehicles and government cars to pass. Public transport ground to a halt, forcing commuters to walk long distances, while businesses shuttered their doors out of fear of unrest.
Despite the heavy police presence and roadblocks, the protesters’ resolve remained unshaken. The government’s attempt to suppress the demonstrations inadvertently amplified their impact, as the lockdown itself became a symbol of the people’s resistance. Social media buzzed with Kenyans celebrating the irony: “To prevent protesters from closing roads, disrupting business, and causing massive losses, the government has closed roads, disrupted business, and caused massive losses,” one user quipped. Another, Hanifa Adan, wrote, “The police getting rained on as they block every road while we stay at home warming our beds. Total shutdown and forced holiday executed by the state!”
Nationwide Solidarity: Protests Spread to Key Towns
The Saba Saba spirit extended far beyond Nairobi, with protests erupting in towns like Mombasa, Kitengela, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Embu. In Mombasa, security forces attempted to halt demonstrators, while in Kitengela and Githurai, running battles between police and protesters were reported. Protesters in Karatina and Embu blocked major highways, including the Karatina-Nairobi and Embu-Nairobi roads, using stones, burning tires, and wood to disrupt traffic and assert their demands.
The protests were fueled by a collective outcry against ongoing issues, including the unresolved deaths of activists like Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, and the memory of over 60 Kenyans killed during the 2024 anti-tax protests. Demonstrators, many waving Kenyan flags and carrying placards with the names of fallen heroes, chanted slogans like “Ruto Must Go” and “No Justice, No Budget,” echoing the calls for accountability that defined the original Saba Saba movement in 1990.
A Grassroots Movement: The Power of Gen Z
Unlike the 1990 Saba Saba protests, which were led by prominent political figures like Charles Rubia and Kenneth Matiba, today’s demonstrations were a grassroots movement driven by Kenya’s Gen Z. This leaderless, tech-savvy generation has harnessed social media to organize and amplify their message, drawing parallels to the 2024 protests that forced President William Ruto to withdraw an unpopular finance bill. “The Gen Zs feel the leadership does not address their issues: accountability, economic injustice, corruption, disappearances, extrajudicial killings,” analyst Kithinji told DW, highlighting the continuity of grievances from 1990 to today.
Protesters like Eve, a 24-year-old demonstrator in Nairobi, expressed the collective frustration: “I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest. It is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here … they are supposed to protect us, but they kill us.” Another young protester, Innocent, who lost a friend in the 2024 protests, braved tear gas to join the march, declaring, “The youth are unstoppable.”
Police Response and Public Defiance
The government’s response was marked by heavy-handed tactics, with police firing tear gas, water cannons, and, in some cases, live rounds to disperse crowds. In Nairobi, one man was seen lying motionless on the road with a bloody wound, a stark reminder of the violence that has claimed lives in recent protests. Reports of ambulances being denied access to the CBD raised further concerns about the state’s priorities.
Despite these challenges, the protesters’ determination shone through. At Ngara, tear gas was lobbed at demonstrators, while in Kisii, youth gathered at the Capital Roundabout, chanting anti-government slogans. The government’s attempt to ban live media coverage of the protests was overturned by a Nairobi High Court ruling, ensuring that the world could witness the people’s resolve.
A Legacy of Resistance
Saba Saba, meaning “seven seven” in Kiswahili, has long been a symbol of Kenya’s fight for democracy. The 1990 protests challenged the autocratic rule of President Daniel arap Moi, paving the way for multiparty democracy. Today, the same spirit drives a new generation to confront modern injustices. As Nairobian Eliza Njoroge told DW, “They were disruptive, but made people very confident. They definitely changed Kenya, and the people realized they can speak up and that they have the power.”
The 2025 Saba Saba protests have reaffirmed this legacy. By shutting down Nairobi’s CBD and towns across the country, Kenyans sent a clear message: the struggle for justice, accountability, and a better future continues. As one protester put it, “No business looted. No car burnt. No Kenyan shot. No police officer throwing teargas. I think Saba Saba was a success.”
