KNCHR: Saba Saba Protests’ Death Toll Rises To 38
Following the fatal Saba Saba protests that took place across Kenya on July 7, a new wave of worry has erupted.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed that 38 people perished during the Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, 2025.
In an update provided Friday evening, the Commission stated that at least 130 persons are currently nursing injuries at home or in various hospitals across the country.
The Commission stated that it continues to monitor human rights breaches related to the demonstrations and is assisting impacted families in conducting postmortems.
The postmortems are being conducted in collaboration with the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and other civil society organisations.
@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…
1/2
(READ MORE) pic.twitter.com/peGdZLINBq
According to the report, the fatalities were recorded in Kiambu (8), Nairobi (6), Kajiado (6), Nakuru (4), Kirinyaga (3), Murang’a (3), Embu (2), Meru (2), Laikipia (2), Nyandarua (1), and Nyamira (1).
The Commission also revealed that four of the deceased are female, two are children, and most of the victims already identified are youth under the age of 25.
Out of 15 postmortems conducted so far, 14 revealed death from gunshot wounds.
One of the victims was a 12-year-old girl shot while watching TV at home in Kiambu.
By 7 p.m. on July 8, KNCHR had reported 31 fatalities, 107 injuries, two cases of enforced disappearance, and 532 arrests.
In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the commission also highlighted considerable property devastation, though the extent of the damage is unknown.
@HakiKNCHR Update on the #Sabasaba 2025 Demonstrations.
— KNCHR (@HakiKNCHR) July 8, 2025
(READ MORE) pic.twitter.com/ZaTrcsRlDr
KNCHR vice chairperson Raymond Nyeris described the findings as highly disturbing, and stated that the commission was “actively monitoring and following up on all reports related to the protests.”
He sharply condemned the human rights breaches and demanded complete 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.
He also expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
In contrast, Muchiri Nyaga, spokesperson for the National Police Service, made a statement on the demonstration day that provided a very different account.
The National Police Service recorded 11 police-related deaths.
They said that 52 police officers and 11 civilians had been hurt, and 567 people had been arrested around the country, including Gitonga Mukunji, Member of Parliament for the Manyatta seat.
The NPS decried what it called “acts of lawlessness” committed by persons involved in a variety of illegal activities, including attacks on law enforcement agents and looting.
ALSO READ:
- Fourth Band Of Kenyan Police Land At JKIA As MSS Mission Officially Ends
- Ruto’s Lies Provokes Tanzania To Fact-Check His Bogus Roads Figures
- KMTC Announces Fresh Guidelines On Student Deferment, Course Change & Transfers
- EMBU: Autopsy Reveals How Hospital Protestors Died, Bullets Recovered
- Top Diplomats Exchange Blows Inside Nairobi Embassy, Investigations Underway
The police also reported that 12 police vehicles, three government vehicles, and four private vehicles were destroyed during the unrest.
The National Police Service praised the majority of Kenyans for obeying the law and responding to the appeal to keep calm.
“Certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness,” he said.
The agency commended its officers for demonstrating “exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests.”
KNCHR: Saba Saba Protests’ Death Toll Rises To 38
