Death Toll from Saba Saba Protests Rises to 38 — KNCHR

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed that the death toll from the Saba Saba Day protests has surged to 38, with over 130 others left injured across the country.

In a press update issued on Friday, July 11, the Commission attributed the casualties to violent clashes between protestors and law enforcement during the July 7 demonstrations, which were held in remembrance of Kenya’s historic push for democracy.

According to KNCHR, the breakdown of the fatalities by county is as follows:

• Kiambu (8)
• Nairobi (6)
• Kajiado (6)
• Nakuru (4)
• Kirinyaga (3)
• Murang’a (3)
• Embu (2)
• Meru (2)
• Laikipia (2)
• Nyandarua (1)
• Nyamira (1)

Among the deceased are four women and two children, including a 12-year-old girl who was tragically shot while watching television at home in Kiambu County.

KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris expressed deep concern over the findings, noting that a significant number of victims were youth under the age of 25.

Of the 15 postmortems conducted so far, 14 victims succumbed to gunshot wounds — a statistic KNCHR says raises grave questions about the use of lethal force by security officers.

“The Commission is gravely concerned that the majority of the identified victims are youth under the age of 25,” said Dr. Nyeris.

KNCHR revealed that the autopsy process is ongoing in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and other civil society groups.

However, the Commission flagged financial barriers being faced by families of the victims, many of whom are being asked to pay for postmortems and hospital bills, despite the government’s previously issued waiver.

“The families claim they are also being asked to pay the postmortem charges in addition to other medical and mortuary bills contrary to the waiver issued by the government. A majority of these families are underprivileged and unable to pay the bills,” Dr. Nyeris said.

KNCHR has urged the Ministry of Health to honour its pledge and ensure that all medical and mortuary costs for the victims are covered in full.

As pressure mounts for accountability and justice, civil society and opposition leaders have echoed calls for a transparent investigation into police conduct during the protests.

In other news:Julie Njoki Dies After Night in Nanyuki Police Cell

Death Toll from Saba Saba Protests Rises to 38 — KNCHR