The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a grave warning over escalating human rights abuses committed during the Saba Saba Day protests held across the country on Monday, July 7, 2025.
In a press statement released on Monday evening, KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris confirmed that by 6:30 p.m., the Commission had recorded:
- 10 deaths
- 29 injuries
- 2 abductions
- 37 arbitrary arrests
across 17 counties.
Dr. Nyeris warned that the actual numbers may rise as more information becomes available.
The Commission is deeply concerned about the level of force used, the blatant violation of court orders, and the increasing pattern of coordinated violence involving both security agencies and criminal elements,” the statement read.
Nationwide Disruptions: Roads, Schools, and Medical Access Blocked
The protests, marking the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba pro-democracy movement, brought large parts of the country to a standstill. In Nairobi and other urban centers, police erected barricades and deployed heavily armed units, severely restricting movement and access to services.
Many citizens were unable to report to work, despite a directive by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service requiring government employees to be on duty,” KNCHR noted.
- Businesses across six counties remained closed due to fears of looting.
- Public transportation, air, and rail services were disrupted, stranding hundreds of passengers.
- Schools and hospitals were also impacted, with reports of patients unable to access care due to roadblocks.
In Kerugoya, the Central Constituency Development Fund (CDF) office was set on fire by suspected criminals in one of the day’s most brazen attacks on public infrastructure.
Unmarked Police, Criminal Gangs, and Attacks on Civil Society
KNCHR expressed alarm over widespread defiance of a court order requiring all officers deployed to demonstrations to be uniformed and identifiable. Instead, officers in plain clothes, balaclavas, and unmarked vehicles were observed in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kajiado.
Even more disturbing was the alleged involvement of armed criminal gangs, seen operating alongside police in areas including Kiambu, Eldoret, and Kajiado. Witnesses reported gangs using machetes, clubs, and even bows and arrows to assault civilians.
The Commission also condemned the violent raid on the offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC). Armed men reportedly stormed the premises, beating both staff and civilians, while journalists covering the incident were assaulted and robbed.
Those responsible were captured on CCTV and must be arrested and prosecuted immediately,” KNCHR demanded.
Escalating Targeting of Human Rights Defenders
KNCHR also highlighted an uptick in harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders (HRDs). Over the past week, more than 20 HRDs have reportedly been arbitrarily arrested, beaten, or threatened.
The Commission warned that the sustained clampdown on dissent, coupled with rising insecurity and lawlessness during protests, risks deepening Kenya’s democratic backslide.
We urge immediate investigations, accountability for officers and non-state actors involved, and protection for human rights defenders exercising their constitutional mandate,” Dr. Nyeris said.
