Tension is building up in Kitengela as residents take to the streets to mark Saba Saba.
The Saba Saba protests, held annually on July 7, commemorate the historic push for multiparty democracy in Kenya.
This year’s demonstrations have gained new momentum from a youth-led digital movement demanding government accountability and economic reforms.
Earlier on Monday, youths barricaded a section of the road leading to Mombasa Road.
They blocked it using stones and bonfires made from burning car tyres. Police, however, intervened to stop them.
They fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse the youths who had disrupted businesses.
Shops in Kitengela have remained closed since morning.
The situation is currently calm as police work to clear the road, despite a heavy presence of youths in the town.
.
Kitengela is becoming one of the protest hotspots. During the June 25 protests, security was heightened, with police aircraft conducting surveillance in the area.
Protesters engaged in running battles with the police.
In one instance, an anti-riot police officer was forced to run for his life after being overpowered by the protesting youths.
The June 25 protests were held in remembrance of youths who died during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
