The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported a staggering 31 deaths during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025, nearly three times the 11 fatalities claimed by the National Police Service (NPS).
The stark discrepancy, detailed in KNCHR’s Tuesday evening statement, has intensified public outrage over alleged police brutality and government handling of the anti-government demonstrations, which also left 107 injured, 532 arrested, and two individuals forcibly disappeared.
The protests, marking the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba pro-democracy movement, saw 17 counties shut down, costing Kenya an estimated Sh18 billion in daily GDP.
KNCHR’s report, citing eyewitness accounts and hospital records, confirmed that many deaths resulted from gunshot wounds, with medics reporting live ammunition fired into crowds and residential areas.
The commission condemned the “heavy-handed police response” and the presence of hooded gangs wielding machetes and whips, allegedly operating alongside officers in Nairobi and Eldoret, in violation of a High Court order mandating identifiable uniforms.
“We strongly condemn all human rights violations and urge accountability from all responsible parties,” said KNCHR Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris, calling for investigations into the deaths and disappearances.
The NPS, in contrast, praised its officers for “exceptional restraint” and attributed the violence to “criminal elements” infiltrating the protests.
However, locals claim the number could be bigger while amplified KNCHR’s findings, highlighting the discrepancy: “31 killed, nearly 3 times police figure.”
The protests, driven by Gen Z anger over economic stagnation, corruption, and police brutality, saw major roads in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kisumu barricaded, stranding commuters and paralyzing businesses.
Political leaders, including Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party, accused the government of orchestrating violence to suppress dissent.
The unrest follows a pattern of deadly protests, with 16 deaths reported in June 2025 and over 100 since 2024, fueled by issues like the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.
As hashtags KNCHR urged citizens to report violations and death via SMS to 22359, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent further bloodshed.
