Kenya Faces Deadliest Day of Protest with 31 Fatalities Amidst Calls for Reform

On July 7, 2025, Kenya experienced its deadliest day of anti-government protests this year, with the death toll reaching 31, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission. An additional 107 people were injured, and over 500 were arrested amid widespread unrest and property destruction, including supermarket lootings.

The protests, which have intensified over the past weeks, are fueled by public outrage over police brutality, alleged government corruption, and the rising cost of living. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of President William Ruto, who has yet to address the latest events.

Monday's protests coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba pro-democracy movement, a significant date in Kenya's political history. The unrest was further ignited by the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody and a civilian's shooting by police on June 17.

The United Nations has urged Kenya to respect protestors' rights and address the underlying grievances. Government officials have faced criticism for the police's excessive use of force and calls for shoot-on-sight directives, while business owners report significant losses due to the chaos. In total, 50 people have died in protests over the past two weeks.

During the protests, at least two hospitals in Nairobi and the nearby town of Kitengela were vandalized and looted. In Kitengela, over 100 armed individuals stormed a hospital seeking treatment for injured protestors, causing chaos and damaging the facility. Nurses and staff were forced to flee, some disguising themselves in patients’ clothing. A second incident occurred at Bristol Hospital in Nairobi’s Embakasi neighborhood, where armed assailants stole medical equipment worth over 800,000 Kenyan shillings ($6,200) and personal belongings, while harassing and injuring staff.

Health workers’ union leaders criticized the government for ignoring their previous requests for security, warning that medical facilities, especially in protest-prone areas, require armed protection. Police and government representatives have not responded to the incidents.

The protests reflect broad discontent over governance issues, including corruption and police accountability, and continue a tradition of July 7 activism in Kenya's push for democratic reforms.

Tags: #kenya, #protests, #humanrights, #corruption