Kenyan authorities have confirmed that at least 11 people were killed, dozens injured, and 567 arrested, including a sitting Member of Parliament, during the violent Saba Saba protests that rocked the country on Monday, July 7.
In a statement released late Monday night, the National Police Service (NPS) revealed the full extent of the chaos, noting that 52 police officers and 11 civilians were injured in clashes that erupted across 17 counties.
The unrest also led to the destruction of 12 police vehicles, three government cars, and four civilian vehicles.
“While the majority of Kenyans remained law-abiding, a section of individuals engaged in acts of lawlessness, attacking law enforcement and participating in looting,” said NPS spokesperson Mucha Nyaga.
Among those arrested was Gitonga Mukunji, the Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency, who was taken into custody at around 3:00 pm and booked at Kibii Police Station under OB number 06/07/07/2025, according to his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
Njiru said the MP was later transferred to Juja under the custody of Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers.
Police indicated Mukunji may face charges of incitement to violence, though details of the specific allegations remain unclear.
Despite graphic images and widespread reports of brutality, the NPS praised its officers for showing “exceptional restraint and professionalism” while under attack from what they described as “criminals who infiltrated the protests.”
Authorities have launched investigations and are calling on the public to report any suspects still at large by visiting the nearest police station or calling the toll-free line 0800 722 203.
“We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the NPS stated, reaffirming its support for lawful expression while condemning violence and vandalism.
In a separate report, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) raised serious concerns about the state’s use of force, confirming 10 deaths and 29 injuries tied directly to police action during the protests.
The Commission cited multiple violations, including the deployment of masked, plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles, despite a standing court order banning such tactics.
It also documented the presence of hooded gangs carrying crude weapons, some of whom appeared to be operating alongside law enforcement.
“The Commission noted several instances of plainclothes, hooded officers patrolling in vehicles without license plates,” the KNCHR report read.
“In some towns, these individuals moved in tandem with police, further aggravating public fear and disorder.”
The Saba Saba protests, traditionally held to honour Kenya’s 1990 pro-democracy movement, took a more urgent and volatile tone this year amid growing frustration with the government over the cost of living, governance issues, and political accountability.
Roadblocks and police barricades led to widespread transport disruption, leaving many commuters and public servants stranded.
In towns such as Kangemi, Ngong, Kitengela, and Meru, violent clashes were reported throughout the day.
Despite a heightened security presence in Nairobi’s CBD, peripheral areas saw incidents of looting, property destruction, and running battles with police.
In Meru, a well-known supermarket was razed, and emergency response vehicles were vandalised.
With political tensions still high and civil society groups demanding accountability for police actions, calls for national dialogue are growing louder.
The government has yet to announce whether it will engage opposition leaders in talks to address the root causes of the unrest.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains firmly on both law enforcement and political leaders to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed during this year’s Saba Saba Day.
Saba Saba Protests Turn Violent In Meru As Magunas Supermarket Is Torched
