A stark discrepancy has emerged over the number of people killed during the July 7 “Saba Saba” demonstrations, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reporting nearly three times as many deaths as previously announced by the National Police Service (NPS).
In a press statement released Tuesday evening, KNCHR said it had documented 31 deaths and 107 injuries as of 7:00 PM, July 8—far exceeding the 11 fatalities and 11 civilian injuries reported by police on Monday.
The human rights watchdog also reported two cases of enforced disappearances, 532 arrests, and widespread destruction of property whose full value is yet to be determined.
“The Commission is still actively monitoring and following up on all reports and incidences related to the 7th July, 2025 Saba Saba demonstrations across the country,” said Dr. Raymond Nyeris, Vice Chairperson of KNCHR.
While the National Police Service commended its officers for exercising restraint during the protests, the KNCHR condemned all human rights violations and called for accountability from “all responsible parties including police, civilians, and all other stakeholders.”
“We once again send our message of condolence to those who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those nursing injuries,” Dr. Nyeris said.
The Commission’s findings point to a far grimmer reality than what was initially presented by the police.
The NPS had earlier praised law enforcement for managing the protests professionally despite “sustained violence and provocation” from protesters, and reported 567 arrests, including that of MP Gitonga Mukunji of Manyatta Constituency.
KNCHR’s report did not name specific individuals but urged the public to report any information related to human rights violations through their known platforms.
The “Saba Saba” protests, which mark the annual remembrance of Kenya’s pro-democracy movement, were this year fuelled by growing public frustration over economic hardship, governance, and alleged state excesses.
