The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has released a sobering update confirming that 38 people lost their lives and at least 130 others sustained injuries during the Saba Saba Day protests held on July 7, 2025. The demonstrations, held to mark the historic day associated with Kenya’s pro-democracy movement, turned violent as clashes erupted between protestors and security forces across several counties.
According to KNCHR, the fatalities were reported in 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, including a 12-year-old girl fatally shot while watching television at her home in Kiambu County.
Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris highlighted a disturbing trend in the Commission’s preliminary findings, noting that most victims were youth under the age of 25. Of the 15 postmortems conducted so far, 14 deaths resulted from gunshot wounds, underscoring growing concerns over the use of excessive force by law enforcement.
KNCHR is working closely with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and other partners to investigate the incidents and support affected families. However, the Commission raised concerns over reports that victims’ families are being asked to pay for postmortems and hospital bills despite a government-issued waiver.
“These families are already struggling, and being burdened with additional costs only deepens their trauma,” said Dr. Nyeris.
The Commission is now urging the Ministry of Health to honor its commitment and ensure all medical and postmortem expenses for victims are covered without conditions. KNCHR reaffirmed its dedication to seeking justice and accountability for the lives lost and disrupted during the protests.
