On 7th July 2023, Kenyans commemorated the 33rd Saba Saba day by going to the streets to protest against the high cost of living as well as the over-taxation of citizens brought about by the newly passed Finance Bill.
The protests begun in a peaceful manner along the streets of Nairobi as protesters marched from different parts towards Kamukunji Grounds where the rally was being held.
As the protesters marched along the streets of Nairobi, the police begun their violence encounter by lobbing teargas to the crowds thereby injuring some protesters. Some police officers were seen assaulting protesters and bundling them into police vehicles.
A total of 72 protesters were arrested in Nairobi during the protests. They were held in Central Police Station for two days without food, medical treatment, dignity kits and legal assistance.
A group of lawyers led by the former Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Dr. Willie Mutunga, Senior Counsel John Khaminwa and other Civil Society Organisations including Human Rights Defenders marched to the Central Police Station to demand for the release of the 72 human rights defenders and to also provide them with food and health supplies.
The police then lobbed teargas at CJ Willie Mutunga, Senior Counsel Khaminwa and other human rights defenders. Several others were injured in the encounter.
The 72 HRDs were then released on 9th July, unconditionally upon several days of protest and legal counsel .
