Saba Saba: They warned people not to go to the streets, then they followed them to their homes

As early as 4 am on Monday, motorists were being forced to detour as those travelling from neighbouring counties were made to camp near police and petrol stations and other parking areas.

This histrionic move was set to keep people out of the Capital, a move that made Nairobi a ghost city for most of the day.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli even made a scattered defence when he was asked why Kenyans are being prevented from accessing the CBD.

"Everybody is getting to CBD, everybody is reporting for duty as normal, no worries," he told NTV.

Police officers, however, even after managing to block protesters from entering the CBD, could not remain rooted along main roads and instead went to residential areas, senselessly firing live rounds at crowds.

Eyewitness videos from across Nairobi and Kajiado counties captured the chilling presence of a heavily armed, unmarked convoy that descended on several protest hotspots during the demonstrations, raising fresh concerns over police accountability and the use of excessive force.

In Kiserian, a town in Kajiado North, videos showed a fleet of at least ten high-performance vehicles—predominantly Subaru Outback models—moving in tight formation.

It was composed of masked individuals wearing balaclavas and carrying high-calibre firearms with full magazine carriers, prepared for combat.

Additional footage from Ngong town showed the group unleashing live fire, with gunshots ringing out before lifeless bodies were seen lying on the road.

Another video from an unidentified location showed protesters pelting stones at a lone gun-wielding man, as he squatted in a shooting position, aiming at them and firing a series of rounds.

A series of videos showed bodies lying in towns of Juja, Ngong and Kangemi. Officers were even seen dragging a body near Juja Police Station.

Officers were also seen firing live rounds at protesters in Rongai, Kamukunji and Pipeline areas. Gunshots rang out in people's estates for the better part of the day.

The same was witnessed in Kiambu, leading to the death of six people, including a 12-year-old girl.

Bridgit Njoki's mother, Lucy Ngugi, said her daughter was shot dead while watching TV at their home in Ndumberi village.

Another victim, Dennis Mutuma Mwangi, 23, was shot dead outside his home in Kiambu town. 

His mother insisted her son was not protesting but had just stepped outside to see what was happening after washing his clothes.

Another video showed an officer shouting dreadful remarks at protesters, saying that he has permission to kill.

"Nikona ruhusa ya kukuua wewe, utalala kwa barafu (I have permission to kill you, you will be laid in ice)," he said while chasing protesters.

Goon terror

Goons also took a notable presence on the streets as businesses and shops were broken into, and the youthful groups made away with valuable goods.

The mayhem was witnessed as far as Kirinyaga, Murang'a and Meru counties as shops were vandalised.

In Nairobi, however, the crowds even broke into Kitengela Subcounty Hospital as seen in a circulating video and are alleged to have harassed patients and staff members.

Some were seen breaking into people's homes in estates, and other bloggers claimed that residents were being mugged and harassed in Juja areas at night.

"Job well done"

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said individuals responsible for Monday’s disruptions would be investigated and prosecuted, as has been done for those involved in earlier violent protests.

He lauded the police, describing their performance as "commendable and necessary for public safety."

Likewise, the National Police Service (NPS) commended its officers for "demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism" during the protests.

NPS stated that a few groups "remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts, including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting".

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said that 11 people were killed, 52 officers and 11 civilians were injured, and 567 arrests were made across the country.

Likewise, 12 police vehicles, 3 government vehicles, and 4 civilian vehicles were damaged.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also documented 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests in 17 counties.

The incidents witnessed during the protests have attracted harsh ridicule from Kenyans, as excessive force has seemingly become a staple for officers to the extent of going to people's homes.

Activist Hanifa took to X, questioning police action seen in parts of the nation, blaming officers for propelling violence.

"Look at how merciless and ruthless these people are! We didn’t go to the streets, but they’re in our homes!!" she wrote.

Kenyans have been holding a series of protests since last year's anti-tax protest,s and many have been taking streets calling for good governance.

They have, however, been infiltrated by state-sponsored goons who have been linked to the rampant looting in streets across the nation.

The government has maintained that it will "protect businesses" and all State properties from being vandalised. 

During the last two protests, Parliament and State House were barricaded by razor wire and guarded by dozens of police officers.