Tue Jul 08 04:45:01 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

Kenyan police clashed with protesters in Nairobi and other cities on July 7, 2025, during Saba Saba demonstrations commemorating the 35th anniversary of pro-democracy rallies. The protests, fueled by anger over tax hikes, corruption, police brutality, and the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, resulted in at least 11 fatalities and numerous injuries. Police used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds. The government deployed heavy security, including plainclothes officers and alleged criminal gangs. The protests, echoing past struggles for multi-party democracy, highlight ongoing tensions between the government and its citizens.

**News Article:**

**Kenya Sees Bloodshed as Pro-Democracy Anniversary Marked by Violent Clashes**

**Nairobi, Kenya – July 8, 2025** – Kenya’s streets ran red yesterday as police clashed with protesters marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba demonstrations, a key moment in the country’s journey towards multi-party democracy. At least 11 people are reported dead nationwide, with scores injured, as police used tear gas, water cannons, and, according to eyewitness accounts, live ammunition to quell the crowds.

The protests, which took place in Nairobi and other cities including Nyeri, Embu, and Nakuru, were sparked by a potent mix of grievances, including recent tax hikes, allegations of widespread corruption, persistent police brutality, and the suspicious death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody last month.

“The situation in Kenya is deeply concerning,” said Arun Sharma, a political analyst specializing in African affairs. “These protests are not just about economics; they reflect a deep-seated frustration with governance and a yearning for greater accountability.”

Reports indicate that the Kenyan police employed heavy-handed tactics, including the use of plainclothes officers and alleged collaboration with criminal gangs wielding whips and machetes. This has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights organizations, who have called for an immediate investigation into the police’s conduct.

“As a democracy, Kenya must respect the right to peaceful assembly,” said Ravi Patel, an advocate for human rights. “The excessive use of force against protesters is unacceptable and undermines the principles of justice and accountability.”

The events in Kenya highlight the ongoing challenges faced by many African nations as they grapple with issues of governance, economic inequality, and political freedom. The Saba Saba protests, while rooted in Kenya’s specific context, resonate with wider struggles for democracy and human rights across the continent.

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