Protests erupted in towns across Kenya on Monday as citizens marked the 35th Saba Saba Day with renewed calls for justice, democratic reforms, and an end to economic hardships and police brutality.

While some demonstrations remained peaceful, others descended into chaos as clashes broke out between protesters and security forces.

In Nairobi, the Central Business District was brought to a standstill by early afternoon. Businesses closed doors, roads were blocked, and police were heavily deployed to keep protesters from accessing key locations.

Demonstrators attempting to enter the city center from various estates were met with roadblocks and volleys of teargas.

In Kangemi, protests turned violent when a man was reportedly shot on Waiyaki Way. Crowds gathered around the body, clashing with police as tensions flared. Fires were lit, stones thrown, and running battles raged for hours between demonstrators and anti-riot officers.

Elsewhere in the city, boda boda riders were arrested at Globe Roundabout for allegedly helping protesters sneak into the CBD. In Ngara, morning crowds were dispersed with teargas.

Thika Superhighway witnessed dramatic scenes as chanting protesters waving flags tried to march into town. Police responded with force, dispersing the crowd with teargas. The demonstrators, however, regrouped and continued their protest along different sections of the road.

In Kitengela, young protesters lit bonfires and chanted slogans while confronting police. Officers were temporarily pushed back after being outnumbered, though no injuries were reported. Nearby Kiserian saw similar scenes, with crowds occupying roads, lighting fires, and demanding reforms.

Eldoret remained tense but quiet. With fears of unrest, the town’s CBD was deserted. Police patrolled hotspots including Huruma, Kipkaren, Kamukunji, and Maili Nne. Uasin Gishu Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi reported no incidents but appealed for continued calm.

In Kisii, protesters adopted a more creative form of demonstration, gathering at the town’s main roundabout for chants and jump rope games. Police kept watch but did not engage the crowd.

In Engineer Town, Nyandarua, roads were briefly blocked and fires lit before police moved in with teargas to clear the area. Meanwhile, Kirinyaga experienced tense scenes after protesters torched a constituency office and clashed with security forces. Calm returned following the deployment of reinforcements.

In Mombasa, protesters attempted to march but were blocked from reaching central areas. Though no major violence was reported, police remained on high alert throughout the day.

Kisumu stood out for its peaceful commemoration, with youth gathering to call for reforms, unity, and accountability without engaging in violence.

Across the country, the day was marked by both unrest and resolve. From bonfires to chants and shutdowns, the commemorations highlighted the lingering frustrations over economic inequality, state repression, and unfulfilled promises—echoing the spirit of resistance that first defined Saba Saba in 1990.