Human Rights Watchdog Issues Demands On Saba Saba Protesters’ Medical Bills
The Commission noted that the administration had already made this pledge.
“The Commission demands that the Ministry of Health immediately and unconditionally waive all the medical bills incurred by the victims of the Saba Saba demonstrations as earlier indicated by the Government,” the Commission’s Vice Chairperson, Dr Raymond Nyeris, said.
He explained that grieving families are under financial pressure to cover the costs of autopsies, mortuary fees, and medical expenditures.
This is despite the government’s stated promise to waive such fees.
“The families claim they are also being asked to pay the postmortem charges in addition to other medical and mortuary bills contrary to the waiver issued by the government,” he said.
“A majority of these families are underprivileged and unable to pay the bills.”
The Commission recommended that the government speed up postmortem processes and ensure they are carried out legally and transparently.
It also insisted on the presence of the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), independent pathologists, and family lawyers.
According to Nyeris, the KNCHR continues to monitor human rights breaches committed during the Saba Saba Day protests.
He stated that as of 6 p.m. on July 11, the death toll from the protests had increased to 38 persons, with at least 130 others still nursing injuries at home or in various treatment institutions across the country.
The Commission discovered that four of the deceased are women, two are children, and the majority of those identified are young people under the age of 25.
“At least 130 people are still nursing injuries at home and in various health facilities across the country,” Nyeris said.
@HakiKNCHR observes that the death toll has now risen to thirty-eight (38) people as of 1800hrs today. At least 130 people are still nursing injuries at
— KNCHR (@HakiKNCHR) July 11, 2025
home & in health facilities across the country. KNCHR has been assisting the families of the deceased in…
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Kiambu (8), Nairobi (6), Kajiado (6), Nakuru (4), Kirinyaga (3), Murang’a (3), Embu (2), Meru (2), Laikipia (2), Nyandarua (1), and Nyamira (1) were among the counties where fatalities occurred.
So far, 15 postmortems have been carried out in collaboration with IPOA, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Independent Medical Legal Unit (IMLU), and other civil society organizations.
The Commission reported that 14 of the deaths were caused by gunshot wounds.
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A 12-year-old girl from Kiambu was among those killed, having been shot while watching television at home.
The KNCHR described this as a worrisome case of excessive use of force.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to its constitutional and legislative role, encouraging the public to continue reporting any human rights breaches.
“We urge the public to continue reporting any Human Rights violations and concerns,” Nyeris said.
Reports can be reported via SMS to 22359, email to complaint@knchr.org, WhatsApp at 0798 849 871, or the toll-free number 0800 720 627.
Human Rights Watchdog Issues Demands On Saba Saba Protesters’ Medical Bills
