NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed that at least 38 people have died following the Saba Saba Day protests, with over 130 others injured nationwide, sparking renewed calls for accountability over police use of force.
In a statement issued Friday evening, KNCHR Chairperson Raymond Nyeris said the Commission is investigating human rights violations that occurred during the July 7 protests, with preliminary findings pointing to widespread police brutality and disproportionate force.
Of the 15 postmortems conducted so far, 14 victims died from gunshot wounds, including a 12-year-old girl who was shot while watching television at her home in Kiambu.
“The Commission observes that the death toll has now risen to 38 people as of 6:00 p.m. today,” KNCHR said.
The fatalities span across 11 counties, including Kiambu (8), Nairobi (6), Kajiado (6), Nakuru (4), Kirinyaga (3), Murang’a (3), Embu (2), Meru (2), Laikipia (2), Nyandarua (1), and Nyamira (1).
Among the dead are four women and two children, with the majority being youth under the age of 25.
More than 130 individuals are still nursing injuries in hospitals or recovering at home.
Postmortem Costs Hindering Justice
KNCHR said it is working with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) to support affected families in conducting postmortems.
However, many families are reportedly being charged despite a government directive waiving related fees.
“The families claim they are being billed for postmortems and other medical and mortuary services, contrary to the government-issued waiver. Most of these families are underprivileged and cannot afford the charges,” the Commission said.
KNCHR is now demanding that the Ministry of Health urgently and unconditionally eliminate all medical costs for protest victims and ensure timely, independent postmortems are conducted.
Mounting Pressure on State Over Police Conduct
The rising number of protest-related deaths comes amid intense national scrutiny of police actions, following President William Ruto’s recent comments defending the use of force against rioters.
“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court,” President Ruto said on Wednesday.
He also equated attacks on police and state institutions to terrorism, warning of harsh crackdowns and vowing to go after political figures allegedly funding the protests.
Rights groups, however, say the rhetoric has emboldened law enforcement to act with impunity.
KNCHR is now urging members of the public to report all human rights abuses and reaffirmed its commitment to documenting violations, pushing for justice, and holding those responsible accountable.
