The echoes of 1990's pro-democracy struggles resonated violently across Kenya on Saba Saba Day, July 7th, 2025. What began as peaceful demonstrations against the soaring cost of living and alleged government corruption quickly descended into chaos, marked by widespread police brutality and, more alarmingly, the emergence of shadowy "killer squads" that have left a chilling trail of death and destruction. in her own home, Bridget Njoki, serves as a stark and heartbreaking symbol of the escalating crisis, raising urgent questions about who is truly in command and whether Kenya is teetering on the precipice of a fate eerily similar to Haiti's descent into lawlessness.
The Unveiling of a Lethal Force: Who are They?
Eyewitness accounts and disturbing video footage from volatile areas during Saba Saba Day painted a grim picture: masked, heavily armed individuals moving with military-grade precision, firing indiscriminately into crowds of protesters and even into residential buildings. Far from being rogue elements, it has now been established that this "killer squad" is a covert team of elite operatives, reportedly drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU), and the Intelligence Service.
These units, designed for specialized operations, appear to be acting with impunity, seemingly untouchable and operating under high-level orders. Their actions, which included not only lethal force but also the attacking and looting of businesses and even private homes by individuals identified as "goons," point to a coordinated effort to suppress dissent through terror.
The Chilling Trail of Death: A Child's Innocence Shattered
The story of 12-year-old Bridget Njoki, shot dead in the comfort of her home in Ndumberi while simply watching television, has ignited widespread outrage. This tragic incident directly contradicts any claims of justified force against "disruptors of peace." It throws into sharp relief the reckless and indiscriminate nature of the force deployed, raising fundamental questions about accountability and humanity.
While Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen's now-retracted remark targeting those disrupting peace sent shivers down the spine of human rights advocates, the cold reality of a child's death inside her home underscores a dangerous disregard for civilian lives that goes far beyond any justification of crowd control.
Command and Accountability: Shadowy Figures and Public Scrutiny
The critical question remains: who are the shadowy figures behind this lethal force, and who is commanding them? These masked, , displaying no visible chain of command, yet coordinating with alarming precision.
The Police Reforms Working Group has vehemently condemned their deployment, citing violations of court rulings and fundamental constitutional rights. Their statement highlighted the use of masks and unmarked vehicles to conceal identities, a deliberate tactic to obscure accountability for potentially unlawful killings.
Key police bosses now under intense public and legal scrutiny include:
- Adamson Bungei – Director of Operations, National Police Service
- Mohammed Amin – Director of DCI
- Said Kiprotich – Chief of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit
- Noordin Hajji – Director of National Intelligence Service
A Haunting Echo: Ruto's Past Condemnation and Haiti's Grim Reality
The irony is not lost on many Kenyans: President William Ruto himself, in 2022, publicly condemned and ordered the disbandment of a similar "special police unit" that he accused of extrajudicial killings. "Mimi nimeamrisha juzi ivunjwe ile inaitwa special nini ya polisi ambayo ilikuwa inaua watu kiholela…" (I recently ordered the disbandment of those special police unit that was indiscriminately killing people...), he stated.
The recent actions of these "killer squads" suggest a chilling comeback, just days after CS Murkomen's inflammatory remarks. This resurgence of state-sanctioned violence against its own citizens draws deeply concerning parallels with the trajectory of nations like Haiti.
Haiti's current state of pervasive gang violence and lawlessness, warranting global intervention and aid, began with the unchecked growth of armed groups operating with impunity, often with tacit or explicit state backing. The fear in Kenya is palpable: could the unchecked power and brutal tactics of these "killer squads" set the nation on a similar, irreversible path towards chaos and anarchy? The deliberate targeting of civilians, the looting, and the apparent absence of accountability paint a grim picture that demands immediate and decisive action.
The Path Forward: Demands for Justice and Transparency
The tragic events of Saba Saba Day serve as a grave warning. For Kenya to uphold its democratic principles and avoid a descent into further instability, several critical steps are imperative:
- Immediate, independent, and transparent investigations into all deaths, injuries, and property destruction, with perpetrators held fully accountable, regardless of their rank or affiliation.
- A clear and unequivocal directive from the highest levels of government condemning excessive force and the use of unmarked, masked units.
- Reaffirmation and strict adherence to constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
- Open and honest dialogue between the government and its citizens to address the root causes of discontent, including the rising cost of living and allegations of corruption.
The spirit of Saba Saba embodies the Kenyan people's enduring demand for justice, democracy, and human rights. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these violent protests, the choices made today will determine whether Kenya steps back from the brink or succumbs to the shadow of a truly terrifying future. The international community, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens must continue to shine a light on these events, demanding transparency and accountability to ensure that no more innocent lives are lost and that Kenya does not tread the path of Haiti's despair.
