The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that 11 people lost their lives and 567 individuals were arrested during the nationwide Saba Saba protests held on July 7, 2025. The demonstrations, which were largely youth-led and organized, turned deadly in several areas as law enforcement clashed with protesters demanding government accountability and economic reforms.
In an official statement signed by Muchiri Nyaga, Director of Corporate Communication at the NPS, the police said that while a majority of Kenyans remained peaceful, certain individuals engaged in what they described as acts of lawlessness, including looting and attacks on police officers.
Preliminary reports indicate fatalities, injuries, damage to motor vehicles, and several incidents of looting,” the statement said. Among those arrested was Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, the MP for Manyatta Constituency, whose alleged involvement remains under investigation.
The National Police Service provided the following breakdown of incidents reported during the protests:
- Number of fatalities: 11
- Injured police officers: 52
- Injured civilians: 11
- Damaged police vehicles: 12
- Damaged government vehicles: 3
- Damaged civilian vehicles: 4
- Total arrests made: 567
The NPS emphasized that each incident would undergo further investigation, and that those found responsible would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
Despite criticism from human rights organizations and social media users about the use of excessive force, the NPS praised its officers for exercising restraint and professionalism in what it described as a volatile environment.
The NPS commends its officers for demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests,” the statement read.
The police also appealed to the public to report individuals involved in criminal acts during the protests. They encouraged anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or use the toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, or the #FichuakwaDCI line (0800 722 203).
The Saba Saba protests, rooted in the memory of the 1990 pro-democracy uprising, have taken on renewed urgency in 2025 amid growing dissatisfaction with rising taxes, cost of living, and allegations of state overreach.
The protests saw thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets in cities such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisii, Nakuru, Embu, Kajiado, Nyeri, Narok, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Machakos, Kirinyaga, Uasin Gishu, Makueni, Kakamega and Nyandarua.
As calls for justice mount, civil society groups and legal organizations are expected to release independent reports to verify casualties, injuries, and whether law enforcement adhered to constitutional standards.
