NAIROBI, Kenya – At least 43 people were killed during the July 7 Saba Saba protests across Kenya, with Kiambu County recording the highest number of fatalities, according to a new report by human rights group Haki Africa.
The report, released on July 15, paints a grim picture of police brutality and excessive use of force, detailing deaths in multiple counties and calling for urgent investigations and accountability.
Highest Death Toll in Nairobi, Followed by Kiambu and Kajiado
The breakdown shows:
- Kiambu County: 9 confirmed deaths, including schoolchildren and university students
- Nairobi County: 10 deaths spread across Kangemi, Riruta, Donholm, Githurai, and Embakasi
- Kajiado County: 6 deaths, mostly in Ngong and Kiserian
Among the victims in Kiambu was 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki Wainaina, a Class Seven pupil from Ndumberi.
Others included law student Ian Mungai and Dennis Mutuma Mwangi, whose name appears twice—possibly due to duplication or pending verification.
In Nairobi, victims included Elvis Musavi, Paul Makori, and Peter Gachanja. Several others remain unidentified, with their bodies taken to City Mortuary and other hospitals.
National Spread of Deaths
Other counties with reported fatalities include:
- Murang’a: 5 deaths
- Meru: 3 deaths in Maua
- Nakuru, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Nyeri, Nyandarua, and Embu: 1–2 deaths each
In Laikipia, the victims included 17-year-old James Gachara Wambugu and Julia Kariuki from Nanyuki. Nyandarua County recorded one death, with the body taken to JM Hospital in Ol Kalou.
Human Rights Groups Demand Action
The Police Reforms Working Group – Kenya (PRWG-K) supported Haki Africa’s findings, accusing police of using lethal force to silence protestors.
“The continued killing of protestors is not just a violation of the right to life, but a direct attack on the constitutional freedom of assembly and expression,” the group stated.
PRWG-K is calling for:
- Immediate prosecution of officers involved in the killings
- Establishment of an independent commission to audit police conduct during protests
- A national conversation on security sector reforms
The July 7 demonstrations marked the 35th anniversary of the original Saba Saba movement and were led largely by Gen Z protestors demanding action on corruption, economic hardships, and poor governance.
Rights groups have raised alarm over an escalating pattern of police violence, citing previous protest-related fatalities and injuries.
Families of the victims are demanding justice, as human rights defenders warn that the death toll may be higher than reported.
“We urge the state to stop treating public dissent as a criminal act. The killings must end,” said a Haki Africa spokesperson.
