Chaos in Kiserian as protesters clash with police

A massive standoff between police and protesters unfolded in Kiserian on Monday, July 7, 2025, afternoon as hundreds of young Kenyans poured into the streets to mark the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba Day, a date historically tied to the country’s pro-democracy struggle.

What began as a peaceful gathering quickly escalated into violent scenes. A sea of protesters surged forward, waving placards and chanting anti-government slogans. Bonfires were lit in the middle of key roads, sending plumes of black smoke into the air.

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Teargas canisters exploded among the crowd, filling the sky with a sharp, acrid haze as anti-riot police attempted to disperse demonstrators.

On one side of the street, protesters formed an unrelenting human wall, launching stones and debris at the heavily armoured police line. Officers, though equipped with shields and gas masks, appeared visibly overwhelmed. Some retreated behind their vehicles, while others held formation under the barrage.

The road became a battlefield teargas infused with chants of resistance, the scent of burning tires mingling with the sounds of chaos.

Chants of “Haki Yetu!” echoed through the streets as motorists were forced to find alternative routes. Business activity in the area ground to a halt, with shops shutting their doors for fear of looting or damage.

Kangemi

The protests in Kiserian mirrored unrest in other parts of the country. In Kangemi, Nairobi, a protester was reportedly shot during clashes with police, sparking widespread condemnation on social media.

Meanwhile, similar confrontations were reported along Thika Road, Kitengela, and several other hotspots where young people defied roadblocks and riot gear to demand change.

The National Police Service had earlier promised professionalism in handling the Saba Saba demonstrations. Yet, armoured vehicles, water cannons, and mounted officers were deployed in force, turning parts of the city into no-go zones.

Despite the government’s declaration that July 7 was a normal working day, the streets told a different story. In Kiserian, the youth made it clear: this Saba Saba was not a routine remembrance, it was a reckoning.