Kenya is marking its anniversary of pro-democracy rallies, with police blocking main roads in the capital, Nairobi, anticipating protests, after last month’s demonstrations descended into violent clashes.
People rally each year on July 7 to mark the date in 1990 when Kenyans demanded a return to multiparty democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-President Daniel arap Moi.
The protest is called “Saba Saba”, meaning “seven seven” in Kiswahili, because of the date.
Monday’s event comes as young Kenyans – angry over economic stagnation, corruption and repeated acts of police brutality – are once again engaging in protests that also saw looting and violence, leaving dozens dead and thousands of businesses destroyed.
Protesters accuse the authorities of paying armed vandals to discredit their movement, while the government has compared the demonstrations with an “attempted coup”.
