Published on July 9, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 10 months by Agencies for Kenya Online News
The number of those reportedly dead from the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025 has risen from ten to 31 as contrasting accounts from the the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the National Police Service (NPS) reveal a sharp divergence in casualty figures and narratives.
By 7pm on July 8, KNCHR had documented 31 fatalities, 107 injuries, two cases of enforced disappearance, and 532 arrests.
In contrast, a statement from the National Police Service, issued on the protest day by spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, presented a significantly different account.
The NPS reported a death toll of 11 of police-related fatalities.
They said 52 police officers and 11 civilians had been injured, and a total of 567 people had been arrested across the country, including Gitonga Mukunji, Member of Parliament for Manyatta constituency.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the commission also noted widespread destruction of property, though the value of the damage remains unconfirmed.
Describing the findings as deeply troubling, KNCHR vice chairperson Raymond Nyeris said the commission was “actively monitoring and following up on all reports and incidences related to the protests.”
He strongly condemned the human rights violations witnessed and called for full accountability from “police, civilians and all other stakeholders.”
“We urge anyone with information or human rights concerns to report them through our dedicated channels. Haki kwa wote, kila wakati,” Nyeris added, and condoled with those who lost their loved ones and wished the injured a quick recovery.
