NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is calling on the government to immediately and unconditionally waive all medical and mortuary bills incurred by victims of the July 7 “Saba Saba” protests, citing an earlier promise made by state officials.
KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr Raymond Nyeris said the Commission had received complaints from bereaved families who are being asked to pay for postmortems, hospitalisation, and morgue services — despite public assurances by the government that such costs would be waived.
“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,” Dr Nyeris said at a press briefing.
He noted that many families affected by the protests are underprivileged and face immense financial pressure, making it difficult to cover the unexpected costs associated with injuries, death, and autopsies.
The Commission also urged the government to expedite postmortem procedures and ensure they are carried out lawfully, transparently, and in the presence of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), independent pathologists, and legal representatives of the families.
Death Toll Climbs to 38, Most Victims Under 25
KNCHR confirmed that as of July 11 at 6 p.m., 38 people had died during or after the protests, with at least 130 others nursing injuries — some still hospitalised, others recovering at home.
The Commission said 14 of the deaths were caused by gunshot wounds, citing the case of a 12-year-old girl in Kiambu who was fatally shot while watching television at home as a shocking example of excessive force by law enforcement.
The fatalities were recorded across several counties:
- Kiambu (8)
- Nairobi (6)
- Kajiado (6)
- Nakuru (4)
- Kirinyaga (3)
- Murang’a (3)
- Embu (2)
- Meru (2)
- Laikipia (2)
- Nyandarua (1)
- Nyamira (1)
Among the deceased, four were women and two were children. The majority were young people under the age of 25, KNCHR said.
So far, 15 autopsies have been conducted in collaboration with IPOA, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and other civil society organisations.
Call for Justice and Continued Reporting
KNCHR reiterated its commitment to monitoring human rights violations and encouraged Kenyans to report any abuses.
“We urge the public to continue reporting any human rights violations and concerns,” Dr Nyeris said.
Reports can be submitted via SMS to 22359, email at complaint@knchr.org, WhatsApp at 0798 849 871, or through the Commission’s toll-free line: 0800 720 627.
