The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised alarm over widespread human rights violations committed during the Saba Saba anniversary protests held on 7th July 2025, which turned deadly in parts of the country.
In a press statement released on Monday evening, KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris confirmed that by 6:30 p.m., the Commission had recorded ten deaths, twenty-nine injuries, two abductions, and thirty-seven arrests across seventeen counties.
The protests, organised to commemorate the 1990 pro-democracy Saba Saba movement, brought normalcy to a near standstill in several regions. “Many citizens were unable to report to work, despite a directive by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service requiring government employees to be on duty,” said the statement.
Major roads, especially in Nairobi, were barricaded by police, severely hindering access to essential services. Businesses remained shut in multiple counties over fears of looting, with at least six counties confirming looting incidents. In Kerugoya, suspected criminals torched the Central CDF office in a bold act of arson.
- Inside the chaos: Police reveal harrowing Saba Saba details
- Saba Saba protests bring Kenyan cities to a standstill
Educational activities were similarly disrupted nationwide, with most schools closing their doors. Patients were reportedly unable to reach health facilities due to roadblocks, while public transport-including air and rail services-was paralysed, stranding hundreds of travellers.
KNCHR further criticised the continued defiance of a court order requiring officers deployed to protests to be in uniform and clearly identifiable. Instead, numerous hooded, unidentified officers patrolling in unmarked vehicles were sighted in Nairobi, Kajiado, and Nakuru.
Of even greater concern, the Commission reported the presence of armed criminal gangs allegedly working alongside police in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Eldoret. These gangs, armed with clubs, machetes, and bows and arrows, were said to have assaulted both demonstrators and bystanders.
The Commission also condemned an attack on the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices, where hired goons reportedly assaulted staff and civilians. Journalists covering the incident were also robbed and beaten. KNCHR is now calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack, stating that the perpetrators were captured on CCTV footage.
It also voiced deep concern over the increasing harassment of human rights defenders (HRDs), revealing that over twenty HRDs had faced arbitrary arrests, beatings, and threats in the past week alone.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
