Kenya Defence Forces Green Berets to be deployed during Saba Saba 2025 protests after police brutality claims. After the Gen Z protests, the Kenya government alleged to be pro-democracy rallies on constitutional rights and public safety.
A big event is coming up in Kenya as the country prepares for the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025. The Sunday Standard has reported that the government will send in the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) special Green Berets unit to stop possible violence during the Saba Saba demonstrations.
This shows the rising tensions, as many people are unhappy with the government, especially about corruption and economic problems.
This deployment represents a big step up in security as Kenyans get ready to remember the pro-democracy rallies that started in 1990. The Saba Saba protests, which mean “Seven Seven” in Swahili because of the date, symbolize Kenya’s struggle for democratic change.
The protests began in 1990 when opposition leaders like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia challenged the harsh rule of President Daniel Arap Moi. But the upcoming protests in 2025 have new reasons behind them. Young people, especially those from Gen Z, are speaking out against police violence, widespread corruption, and the controversial Finance Bill 2025, which has upset many over taxes.
Reports say the use of the KDF Green Berets – an elite unit trained for difficult operations – shows that the government is worried about how big the protests will be. Usually, the Green Berets are only used for serious military missions, not for dealing with protests. Their involvement raises concerns that the police might use too much force.
This comes after at least 19 people died and more than 400 were injured during the protests on June 25, 2025, with Amnesty International saying most of the injuries were due to police actions.
The Motorists Association of Kenya has also asked the police to be careful, reminding them that people have the right to protest and calling on the government to keep the public safe during the demonstrations.
The planned protests have caused worry, leading some schools to close and Canada to warn its travellers about possible violence and power outages.
Civil groups have criticized proposed laws that would limit protests near government areas, seeing them as efforts to quiet down dissent.
As Kenya celebrates 35 years since the first Saba Saba protests, the country is at an important moment. The government’s actions during these protests could greatly affect the future of democracy in Kenya.
