Death Toll On Saba Saba Protests Rises Amidst Calls For Accountability

The recent “Saba Saba” protests on July 7, 2025, a day deeply significant in Kenya’s history for its association with pro-democracy movements, have tragically escalated into widespread violence, resulting in a soaring death toll and renewed calls for accountability.

Mounting Casualties and Arrests

The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported on Tuesday, July 8, that the death toll from Monday’s demonstrations had tragically surged to 31, making it the highest single-day casualty count since the current wave of protests began. In addition to the fatalities, the KNCHR documented 107 injured individuals and over 500 arrests across various counties. There were also reports of two enforced disappearances. These figures underscore the intensity of the clashes between protesters and security forces.

The demonstrations, primarily driven by a youthful demographic, were initially sparked by outrage over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month. This incident fueled long-standing grievances concerning police brutality, alleged corruption, and the rising cost of living. Protesters are demanding an end to excessive force by law enforcement and have intensified calls for President William Ruto’s resignation. The Saba Saba date itself (July 7) commemorates the 1990 pro-democracy protests that pushed for a multi-party system in Kenya, adding a historical resonance to the current demands for governance reform.

Police Response and Allegations of Excessive Force

Reports from human rights organizations and eyewitnesses indicate that security forces responded with considerable force. Police deployed tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and reportedly, live ammunition to disperse crowds. Disturbing accounts also emerged, particularly from Nairobi and Kajiado counties, of a heavily armed, unmarked convoy of individuals in balaclavas operating with military-style precision, using high-caliber firearms and showing little intent to make arrests. These reports have led to mounting concerns about extra-judicial killings and a deliberate attempt to obscure accountability. The Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group have accused police of violating court orders by deploying heavily armed forces and using unmarked vehicles.

Calls for Accountability and International Concern

The KNCHR has strongly condemned all human rights violations and urged accountability from all responsible parties, including police, civilians, and other stakeholders. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed deep concern over the killings and renewed his call for calm, restraint, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. He emphasized the need for prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into all reported killings and alleged violations of international human rights law, stressing that those responsible must be held to account. The UN Human Rights Office has offered to support Kenyan authorities in these investigations.