Kenya has reached breaking point, U.S based human rights activist says

A protester is overwhelmed after being sprayed with a police water cannon during Saba Saba protest in Kitengela on July 7th 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

U.S.-based human rights activist Prof Peter Ndiang’ui has condemned police brutality against unarmed citizens during the 35th commemoration of Saba Saba. 

He said scenes from the Saba Saba demonstration last Monday in various parts of the country were a national nightmare.

“We have reached a national breaking point. How many more must die before we rise as one and say, Enough is enough”? Said Prof Ndiang’ui.

He regretted that citizens armed only with their voices, mobile phones, and water bottles were subjected to brutality by the police, who are supposed to protect them.

“From the photos and videos seen, it was clear the police were not controlling the crowd but were brutal,” said Prof Ndiang’ui.

He claimed the police, acting under directives from the very top, through the Ministry of Interior, implemented a shoot-to-kill policy.

“In addition to the uniformed forces, armed militia groups loyal to the regime were unleashed on peaceful demonstrators. This is not law enforcement,” said Ndiangui.

Prof Ndiang’ui, who is a lecturer at Florida Gulf Coast University, claimed this was sponsored terror, which was part of a horrifying pattern that began with the 2024 protests.

He regretted that international media houses were describing it as a state on the verge of being lost.

“International analysts are calling our nation a police state teetering on the edge of collapse. The world is watching with horror. Our national shame is on full display,” said Prof Ndiang’ui.

He claimed some leaders supporting police brutality against the demonstrators have no shred of moral authority left to govern.

“They have betrayed the Constitution, abandoned their duty to protect life, and declared war on their own people. The cries of the victims are loud, and justice is calling. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is watching. Its doors are not closed.