Author: Mwenda Gitonga

Embu town ground to a halt on the morning of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, as hundreds of enraged supporters of Manyatta MP John Gitonga Mukunji took to the streets in a massive protest, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The demonstrations paralyzed business operations and crippled transport, plunging the town into chaos amid heightened political tensions. Mukunji, who was arrested on Monday, July 7, along the Thika Superhighway at the Toll area in Juja Sub-County, was transferred early Tuesday to Kahawa Law Courts, where he is expected to face charges related to allegedly distributing money to protesters during the Saba…

The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that 11 people lost their lives and 567 individuals were arrested during the nationwide Saba Saba protests held on July 7, 2025. The demonstrations, which were largely youth-led and organized, turned deadly in several areas as law enforcement clashed with protesters demanding government accountability and economic reforms. In an official statement signed by Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Corporate Communication at the NPS, the police said that while a majority of Kenyans remained peaceful, certain individuals engaged in what they described as acts of lawlessness, including looting and attacks on police officers. Preliminary reports…

Westlands Member of Parliament Tim Wanyonyi has clarified that he intends to run for the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, laying to rest speculation that he could again pursue the Nairobi governorship. Wanyonyi, who has served in Nairobi’s political landscape for over a decade, confirmed that his focus has now shifted to his home county. Speaking during an interview with Radio 47 on Monday, July 7, Wanyonyi said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders in both Nairobi and Bungoma, as well as discussions with his party leadership. “Politics has a lot of things. Nairobi, I…

A terrifying incident unfolded at Kitengela Hospital on the evening of Monday, July 7, 2025, when armed goons stormed the facility, disrupting an ongoing caesarean section procedure and endangering the lives of a mother and her newborn. The attackers vandalised the hospital’s operating theatre and set fire to the hospital’s main gate, sending patients, medical staff, and bystanders into a state of panic and confusion. Medical personnel were forced to flee mid-surgery, temporarily abandoning the mother and baby on the operating table. Condemnation from Medical Community The Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the…

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a grave warning over escalating human rights abuses committed during the Saba Saba Day protests held across the country on Monday, July 7, 2025. In a press statement released on Monday evening, KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris confirmed that by 6:30 p.m., the Commission had recorded: Dr. Nyeris warned that the actual numbers may rise as more information becomes available. The Commission is deeply concerned about the level of force used, the blatant violation of court orders, and the increasing pattern of coordinated violence involving both security agencies and…

Every year on July 7th, Kenyans mark Saba Saba Day, a pivotal moment in the country’s political history. While younger generations may recognize the date from trending hashtags or protests in recent years, the origins of Saba Saba lie in a bold, painful, and ultimately transformative struggle for democracy that unfolded in the 1990s. “Saba Saba,” which means “Seven Seven” in Kiswahili, refers to July 7, 1990—a day when Kenyans first rose up in mass numbers to demand multi-party democracy. At the time, Kenya was firmly under the grip of a one-party dictatorship led by President Daniel arap Moi. Since…

Activist Boniface Mwangi has launched a scathing critique of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, accusing the veteran politician of betraying the ideals of the pro-democracy struggle he once championed and declaring that Kenya’s protest movement now belongs to Gen Z. In a statement shared on Saba Saba Day, Monday, July 7, 2025, Mwangi acknowledged Odinga’s pivotal role in Kenya’s fight for multi-party democracy but argued that he has since transformed “from liberator to traitor.” Raila Odinga claims to be the father of Saba Saba. We won’t dispute that, but since the 1980s, he has shifted from liberator to traitor,” Mwangi…

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has downplayed reports of disruptions in Nairobi, insisting “everything is normal” even as key roads into the city were blocked and many businesses remained shut amid anticipated Saba Saba protests. Speaking to the media on Monday, Masengeli claimed that movement in and out of the Central Business District (CBD) was unimpeded, despite clear evidence to the contrary. “Everyone is getting to work without any issues. No one is being turned away,” he stated. “We are urging everyone to ensure their protests remain peaceful.” His comments were contradicted by widespread traffic disruptions caused by…

All civil servants across Kenya have been directed to report to their workstations on Monday, July 7, regardless of the nationwide Saba Saba Day protests, with the government issuing a stern warning against absenteeism. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku emphasized that July 7 is not a public holiday, and any failure to report to duty will result in disciplinary action. He made the remarks during a church service in Embu County attended by President William Ruto. Tomorrow, Monday, is not a public holiday. All civil servants across the Republic of Kenya are expected to be in their offices regardless,”…

Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on a long-term deal, marking one of their marquee signings of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old central midfielder arrives after making 236 appearances for Sociedad’s senior team, having risen through the club’s youth system. Zubimendi played a pivotal role in Sociedad’s recent successes, including their historic 2019/20 Copa del Rey title, secured in April 2021, where he featured alongside current Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino. In the 2022/23 La Liga campaign, Zubimendi was an ever-present figure, guiding Sociedad to a fourth-place finish—their best in over a…