Kenyan police said they would not allow a planned march in Nairobi on Tuesday to mark an annual day of protest, with heavy security deployments disrupting traffic.
Demonstrations have traditionally been held on July 7 to commemorate the day in 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-president Daniel arap Moi. It has become known as “Saba Saba Day”.
Over the past two years, “Saba Saba” (meaning “seven seven”) has merged with broader protests against the government of President William Ruto, accused of corruption, economic mismanagement and police violence.
At least 38 people died across Kenya and hundreds were arrested in protests on July 7 last year, according to a police watchdog.
This year the government has taken no chances with protests, using heavy police deployments to prevent even small gatherings.
