NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed that at least 31 people were killed during the nationwide Saba Saba protests, making it the deadliest political unrest in the country in recent years.
In an update released Tuesday evening, KNCHR said it had documented 107 injuries, 532 arrests, 2 enforced disappearances, and widespread destruction of property, with the full extent of damage still being assessed.
“The Commission is still actively monitoring and following up on all reports and incidents related to the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations across the country,” said KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris. “We strongly condemn all human rights violations and urge accountability from all responsible parties — including police, civilians, and other stakeholders.”
The protests, which were largely youth-led and sparked by growing public frustration over economic hardship, corruption, and state repression, turned violent in multiple counties as police clashed with demonstrators.
Many of the deaths reported so far are believed to have resulted from police shootings, with human rights groups and opposition leaders accusing security forces of using excessive force against mostly unarmed protesters.
KNCHR reiterated its call for anyone with information related to human rights violations during the protests to come forward, offering multiple avenues for public reporting including SMS, email, and a toll-free hotline.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to those still nursing injuries,” said Dr. Nyeris.
The latest figures underscore a growing humanitarian and political crisis as calls intensify for accountability and reform within Kenya’s security services.
Civil society groups, religious leaders, and several opposition politicians have demanded independent investigations and the prosecution of officers involved in unlawful killings.
The KNCHR has urged both state and non-state actors to respect the rights to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly — rights enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution and international human rights law.
The death toll from the protests has now surpassed that of other recent mass demonstrations, raising fresh concerns about the state’s response to civic action and freedom of expression in the country.
