Kenya is marking its anniversary of pro-democracy rallies, with police blocking main roads in the capital, Nairobi, anticipating protests, after last month’s demonstrations descended into violent clashes.
People rally each year on July 7 to mark the date in 1990 when Kenyans demanded a return to multiparty democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-President Daniel arap Moi.
The protest is called “Saba Saba”, meaning “seven seven” in Kiswahili, because of the date.
Kenya antiriot police guard parliament buildings in Nairobi, Kenya, July 7, 2025]Brian Inganga/AP Photo]
Monday’s event comes as young Kenyans – angry over economic stagnation, corruption and repeated acts of police brutality – are once again engaging in protests that also saw looting and violence, leaving dozens dead and thousands of businesses destroyed.
Protesters accuse the authorities of paying armed vandals to discredit their movement, while the government has compared the demonstrations with an “attempted coup”.
On Monday, the streets of Nairobi were eerily quiet after police mounted roadblocks on the main roads, preventing most people from entering the centre, with many businesses closed for the day.
The government is committed to protecting life and property during protests, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said on his X account on Sunday.
“Our security agencies are on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property”, he said.
Leading activist Hanifa Aden wrote on X: “The police getting rained on as they block every road while we stay at home warming our beds”.
“Total shutdown and forced holiday executed by the state”, she added.
On Sunday afternoon, a news conference by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission calling for an end to “enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings” was broken up when men, some armed with sticks, forced their way into the compound.
Social media and rising economic expectations have created anger at inequalities in a country where about 80 percent are trapped in informal, poorly paid jobs.
The death of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger, in police custody in June gave impetus to protests, with the government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reporting 19 deaths across the country during demonstrations last month.
Prosecutors approved murder charges against six people, including three police officers, over Ojwang’s death. All six pleaded not guilty.
At least 80 people have died in protests since June 2024 and dozens detained illegally.
In a lengthy letter, Dave Grohl paid tribute to Taylor Hawkins, the band’s late drummer, in a special mention.
Dave Grohl paid tribute to the band(Image: MTV / YouTube)
Dave Grohl penned an emotional letter to mark the 30th anniversary of the Foo Fighters. The band’s frontman pieced together a six-page letter to make the occasion and paid tribute to late bandmate Taylor Hawkins with his words.
Dave continued, “And Taylor. You are always in everything we do, wherever we go, forever, despite the fact that sometimes your name is accompanied by tears or a smile.
He continued, “Your beautiful soul’s enormity is only rivaled by our endless longing,” adding that. Beyond words, we all miss you. Taylor Hawkins will remain a Taylor Hawkins until we reach our destination in all of Foo Fighters’ musical selections.
Foo Fighters in 2014(Image: Getty Images)
The duo were in the iconic band together, but Taylor sadly died three years ago at the age of 50. He was found dead at the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota in Colombia with traces of 10 substances in his body, including heroin, opioids, and benzodiazepines.
According to a statement released at the time, the musician is said to have experienced “chest pains,” which precipitated a medical emergency. They confirmed that an ambulance had arrived on the scene, but a medical professional from EMI was already present and handling the situation.
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Hawkins was declared dead at the scene despite attempts to revive him. Taylor’s 17-year-old wife Alison and their three children, Taylor, and his son Shane, who is now 18 years old, also followed his father’s drumming footsteps.
Taylor Hawkins died at the age of 50(Image: Getty Images for NARAS)
Josh Freese was also given a special mention in Dave’s tribute, along with other musicians. Josh left the band in May after three years with them following Taylor’s passing.
Without the unending fervor of William Goldsmith, Franz Stahl’s seasoned wisdom, and Josh Freese’s thunderous wizardry, this story would be meaningless, Dave wrote.
We therefore express our sincere gratitude for the time, music, and memories we each shared over the years. I appreciate it, ladies.
In a statement revealing Josh had been sacked from his position, the drummer said he supported the decision. He took to social media to share his thoughts on the call. “The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they’ve decided ‘to go in a different direction with their drummer,” he said.
Despite that, I enjoyed spending the past two years with them, both on and off the stage, and I back whatever they think is best for the band.
He continued, “I’ve never been let go from a band in my 40 years of drumming professionally, so I’m just a little shocked and disappointed. However, it seems as though Josh is trying to see the humorous side of the situation because, as most of you know, I’ve always had a free time between bands. Stay tuned for my “Top 10 possible reasons” for Josh’s removal from the Foo Fighters. “
Glastonbury typically offers small checks to stars, but the worthwhile Farm festival offers much more than just a pay check. However, the festival promises to bring in a lot of exposure and a hefty fee for one star.
Charli XCX is said to be one of the best performers at Glasto 2025(Image: WireImage)
Charli XCX pocketed a jaw-dropping £900,000 for her explosive and divisive Glastonbury set, making her the festival’s highest-paid performer ever.
The Essex-born pop star brought her Brat era to Worthy Farm on Saturday night, headlining The Other Stage and drawing such a huge crowd security had to shut entry to the field. Fans packed in to hear her party anthems, but her performance sparked fierce debate online, with many slamming her for “overusing” auto-tune.
One TikTok user wrote, “Lip syncing to a backing track with auto tune… sad to see this sh*te at Glasto.”
Charli was retaliating with a cheeky clapback, “Baby! Lip sync with autotune is not possible! Give that a second a thought.
Charli made sure to clap back at the shady comments(Image: Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
She later expressed regret on X (previously Twitter) by saying, “Really enjoying these boomer-like comments on my Glastonbury performance. I find it to be extremely fascinating.
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The most boring take ever is the idea that singing in deliberate autotune makes you a fraud or that not having a traditional band suddenly means you must not be a “real artist.” I’m sorry, but I just slept through it.
“But to be honest, I enjoy the conversation,” she continued. The best art frequently develops into a truly interesting culture rather than just being “ok,” “understood,” and “somewhat forgettable.” It is divisive and confrontational.
The Essex-born pop star brought her Brat era to Worthy Farm(Image: WireImage)
The pop princess has a long history of self-awareness, and she has never made it public, even admitting that she feels “lost” performing without it now.
She admitted last year on The Tape Notes podcast that she had always been able to sing in tune, but she’s since realized that she’s become so lazy because I sing in auto-tune all the time.
Her staggering payday caused shock because it was higher than the previous headline costs. For his 2023 Pyramid Stage set, Sir Paul McCartney and Coldplay reportedly made an estimated £250, 000. Charli was undoubtedly the only person who had consistently argued they couldn’t ever pay more than £500k for a headliner.
While Charli got paid the highest fee in Glasto history, some stars performed at a loss (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, Sir Rod Stewart reportedly performed at a loss this year despite receiving less than £300,000 from his set for his coveted Legends Slot on Sunday.
Charli’s contentious but triumphant Brat era has made her a more well-known celebrity. For her hit Von Dutch, the culturally influential album won her three Grammys earlier this year: Best Dance/Electronic Album, Best Recording Package, and Best Dance Pop Recording.
Despite the comments, its clear Charli has the last laugh(Image: Harry Durrant/Getty Images)
While Charli was one of the few acts to receive a respectable salary, many Glasto performers were simply given free weekend tickets, some were still left disappointed that she didn’t as it was claimed. However, many people called her performance one of the best of the weekend and demanded that she take the Pyramid Stage the following time.
Fans loved everything about her performance, judging by Saturday’s packed-out field, and the singer continues to face a wave of ‘boomer’ backlash online over her style and sound.
Taylor Hinds, a Jamaican full-back, has left her current club to join Arsenal on a free agent basis.
The 26-year-old joins Everton in 2018 after beginning her career there where she left off.
She will become the Gunners’ second summer signing after England international Chloe Kelly made her loan move permanent, according to BBC Sport.
Hinds said, “I’m grateful to come back to a place I called home when I was younger,” and that this is a “full-circle moment.”
“I can’t wait to get started and face the fans at Emirates Stadium in front of everyone.”
Hinds has significant Women’s Super League experience, as well as versatility and competition in defense.
To build on their Women’s Champions League success, Arsenal has been eager to conduct business early in the transfer window, and they are expected to make at least one more signing.
Hinds left the Toffees for Liverpool, where he made 131 appearances over the course of five years, scoring eight goals.
She was a key player in their 2021 to 2022 Women’s Championship win, and she also served as vice-captain for Liverpool.
Renee Slegers, the manager of Arsenal, described Hinds as a “versatile player with great experience” who led the club to victory in the Champions League in May.
“We’re delighted to welcome Taylor back to Arsenal. She continued, “I’m excited to get Taylor on the training pitch.”
Before making her debut against France in October of last year, Hinds made her debut against Jamaica at the age of 17, and she represented England at the youth level in the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups.
When Hinds travels to Arsenal, she will sport the number 24 shirt.
