Kenyan Hospitals Damaged During Democracy Anniversary Protests
Two hospitals in Kenya suffered vandalism during protests marking the 35th anniversary of historic pro-democracy demonstrations, witnesses and hospital officials confirmed Tuesday.
The damaged facilities are located in Kenya’s capital Nairobi and a nearby town. Protesters targeted the medical centers while commemorating the July 7, 1990 Saba Saba rallies that challenged former President Daniel arap Moi’s authoritarian rule.
Hospital officials reported broken windows, damaged equipment, and disrupted medical services. The vandalism forced staff to temporarily suspend operations at affected facilities. Witnesses described crowds gathering outside the hospitals before the destruction began.
The anniversary protests drew hundreds of demonstrators across multiple locations. Participants demanded government accountability and democratic reforms, echoing themes from the original 1990 rallies. Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds in several areas.
Kenya’s Saba Saba protests historically marked a turning point in the country’s democratic movement. The 1990 demonstrations led to the end of single-party rule and established multiparty democracy in 1992.
Current protesters cite rising living costs, unemployment, and government corruption as primary concerns. The hospital vandalism represents an escalation in tactics compared to previous anniversary commemorations.
Medical facilities typically receive protection during civil unrest under international humanitarian law. The targeting of healthcare infrastructure raises concerns about protest methods and patient safety during ongoing political demonstrations.
![Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria during the launch of the newly refurbished outpatient department and maternity theater at Consolata Mathari Hospital, where he urged the government to disburse funds owed to faith-based hospitals under the defunct NHIF and SHA. Muheria highlighted that delayed reimbursements, totalling Sh250 million for Consolata Mathari Hospital alone and sh2.5 billion nationwide to catholic faith based hospitals, have severely impacted healthcare service delivery.[ Amos Kiarie]](https://i2.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/QuBGQ1ukM65SVVBrvdVQAaB15zp3lHR3Oe8Yj1kp.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0)
