Saba Saba: At Least 10 Killed, Multiple Seriously Injured During Saba Saba Demos, KHRC Report
- KNCHR reported at least 10 deaths and about 30 injuries during the Saba Saba protests, raising serious questions about the state’s use of force
- The commission flagged widespread police misconduct, including masked officers in unmarked cars despite a court order against such tactics
- Hooded gangs armed with crude weapons reportedly roamed several towns, sometimes in the company of police, adding to the chaos
- Road closures and police barricades left many stranded and movement paralysed, even as civil servants were ordered to report to work
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
At least ten people were killed and others injured during Saba Saba protests, according to a statement report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Source: Getty Images
The day, which marks a historic milestone in Kenya’s fight for democracy, was marred by scenes of chaos and violence across several counties, raising alarm over police conduct.
In a statement, KNHCR reported that by 6:30 pm, it had documented 10 fatalities and 29 injuries linked directly to the protests, which were held in 17 counties.
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The commission also recorded two abductions and 37 arrests, most of which it said appeared to target Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and protest organisers.
KNHRC condemned what it termed a flagrant disregard of court orders by security agencies, citing the widespread deployment of police officers.
This was majorly reported in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kajiado, in defiance of a High Court directive requiring all officers managing protests to wear identifiable uniforms.
"The Commission observed numerous hooded officers, not in uniform, travelling in unmarked vehicles while patrolling," KHRC noted in a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke..
How did the Saba Saba demos affect Kenyans?
Adding to the tension was the emergence of criminal gangs, also hooded and heavily armed with crude weapons like machetes, whips, spears, and bows and arrows.
These gangs were spotted in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kiambu, and Kajiado, in some cases reportedly operating alongside police.
They also painted a grim picture of how the demonstrations disrupted daily life, explaining that movement in and out of major towns was severely affected by police barricades.
KNCHR said hundreds of Kenyans, including patients needing urgent medical care, were left stranded due to road closures.
Source: Getty Images
This happened despite a directive from Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku requiring all government workers to report to work.
Raymond Nyeris, Vice Chairperson of the Commission, affirmed KNCHR’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, stressing that the state must uphold the rights of all Kenyans.
"The KNCHR calls on the Government to immediately cease the harassment of Civil Society Organisations, Human Rights Defenders and the criminalisation of legitimate human rights work. The Commission remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to protect the rights of all persons in Kenya," Nyeris stated.
Is Larry Madowo's life in danger?
Elsewhere, CNN correspondent Larry Madowo revealed that a Kenyan political figure allegedly offered hired goons an extra KSh 100,000 to attack him while he covered Saba Saba protests, beat him, destroy his equipment and disrupt coverage.
The would‑be assailants reportedly confessed on camera, explaining they hadn’t been fully paid for previous protests.
Madowo emphasised that reporting isn’t a crime and vowed not to be intimidated, pointing out that some pro‑government social media accounts and even a sitting lawmaker had called for his arrest over inciting violence.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
