Wamuzi News Ke
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has released its most alarming report of the Saba Saba Day protests, documenting a severe crackdown that left 10 people dead, 29 injured, two abducted and 37 arrested across 17 counties as of 6:30 p.m. this evening .
Deadly Toll in Multiple Counties
KNCHR Vice‑Chair Raymond Nyeris confirmed that the fatalities and injuries were reported in hotspots including Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, Kisii, Nakuru, Nyeri, Embu and Kajiado. The violence escalated rapidly following widespread deployment of police barricades and heavy-handed tactics.
Abductions and Arrests Spark Outrage
Two abductions were reported amid the turmoil, along with the arrest of 37 individuals across widespread protests. The abductions have stirred deep concern about enforced disappearances in Kenya — a charge KNCHR has been tracking in recent months.
Mobility and Public Services Grind to a Halt
Authorities placed sweeping roadblocks on major corridors including Nairobi’s main access routes, severely limiting movement and denying many citizens access to work, education and medical care despite government orders for civil servants to report to duty.
Business closures, fear of looting, and the torching of public buildings—such as the Central CDF office in Kerugoya—forced educational institutions to suspend classes and medical services to halt, leaving patients stranded.
Uniformed Police Ignored Court Orders
KNCHR condemned widespread violations of a High Court order mandating that officers in crowd-control operations be clearly identifiable and uniformed. Reports of hooded, unmarked officers operating in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kiambu, Kajiado, Nakuru and Nyeri underline the breakdown of legal safeguards.
Alarming Collusion with Criminal Gangs
The Commission also alerted to the alarming presence of armed civilian gangs—wielding machetes, spears, bows and arrows—operating alongside security personnel in counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Eldoret. Their use of violence and intimidation reflects a disturbing undercurrent of sanctioned vigilantism.
Rights Defenders and Journalists Under Siege
In addition to the violence on the streets, KNCHR decried attacks on human rights defenders and journalists. More than 20 activists and rights workers have reportedly been arrested, intimidated or assaulted in the past week. The commission demanded accountability for hired thugs who attacked KHRC offices and assaulted staff and civil society participants.
Urgent Call for Independent Investigations
In its statement, KNCHR called for immediate investigations into killings, injuries, abductions, and abuses of both civilians and journalists. It urged the government to enforce protections outlined in the Constitution, including the right to assembly, free movement and freedom of the press .
What Happens Next:
- Legal action: KNCHR wants swift autopsies, formal tracing of abduction cases, and prosecutions of state and non-state actors involved in violations.
- Court compliance: Law enforcement must adhere to court orders requiring uniformed and identifiable policing.
- Policy review: Civil society is demanding legislative safeguards to prevent the recurrence of mass rights violations during protests.
This report signals an urgent national reckoning. As Kenya enters a critical political juncture, this crisis underscores the fragile balance between security and civil liberties. Follow NairobiLeo.co.ke and other major outlets for real-time court motions, responses from Interior Ministry and KNCHR, and the implications this may have on Kenya’s democratic future.
