Tuesday, 15th July 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya: The Police Reforms Working Group expresses deep concern over the widespread human rights violations and loss of life that occurred during the July 7, 2025, Saba Saba Day protests. These events, symbolic of Kenya’s hard-won democratic gains, were marred by state violence, unlawful policing tactics, and systemic impunity.
As of 11th July 2025, at least 38 people had been confirmed dead countrywide, over 500 civilian and police injuries, and economic loss possibly as much as KES 1.1 billion (USD 14 million) have been recorded. Protests have taken place in at least 20 counties, with fatalities reported in Kiambu (8), Nairobi (8), Kajiado (7), Nyeri (2), Kisumu (2), Nakuru (2), Meru (2), Embu (1), Murang’a (1), among others. Among the dead are four women and two children.
There are over 500 people facing charges across various courts, including Starehe (125), Nakuru (192), Machakos (96), Tigania (55), Naivasha (30), Embu (24), Kitale (8), Homa Bay (7) and Kirinyaga (5). Thirty-seven individuals – including a Member of Parliament – have been charged with abetting terrorism. Others face a range of serious charges, including murder, robbery with violence, malicious damage to property, theft, and unlawful assembly.
In the wake of these events, the National Treasury has reportedly been asked to release KES 1.3 billion (approximately USD 10 million) to settle outstanding bills owed to private mortuaries, following a sharp increase in unclaimed bodies during this period.
Subaru Operations in Kajiado County
A fact-finding mission has reviewed video footage and collected multiple eyewitness accounts from documented grave violations from Ngong and nearby towns in Kajiado County, including Rongai, Kitengela, and Kiserian. These include the use of live ammunition against unarmed civilians, extrajudicial executions, disappearances, and unlawful arrests. The evidence points to serious allegations of unlawful conduct and extrajudicial killings by individuals suspected to be police officers.
Witnesses reported that armed men—suspected to be members of the National Police Service or associated security units—arrived in unmarked Subaru SUVs with no license plates, gave aggressive commands and indiscriminately fired live ammunition at both protesters and bystanders. Under the National Police Service Act, officers are required to be clearly issue clear warnings to the crowd, use less-lethal methods, proportional force and report every use of the firearm to their superior and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
These shootings occurred in broad daylight and in densely populated areas, endangering many lives. Soon after the shootings, ambulances arrived at the scenes. Some witnesses saw injured bodies being loaded into ambulances which drove off to unknown locations. Disturbingly, several ambulances were seen trailing the unmarked Subarus, raising serious concerns about the coordination and purpose of the response.
To date, the Inspector General of Police has not identified those operating from the unmarked Subarus, their institutional affiliation, or the legal justification for their actions. There has also been no explanation about who owns the ambulances, why they were deployed alongside the armed units or the destination of those they transported. At the time of this statement, it is unclear whether commanders in charge of deployment have reported to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority as required by law. The lack of transparency continues to erode public trust and intensify fear of state-sponsored violence and enforced disappearances.
Witness Testimonies
Disclaimer: The names of survivors and eyewitnesses * have been changed or withheld to protect their identities and ensure their safety.
PRWG visited injured patients and bereaved families following the July 7 Saba Saba protests. The organization documented a range of injuries, including gunshot wounds to the head, limbs, and machete cuts, reportedly inflicted by armed individuals who disrupted peaceful demonstrations. In one Nairobi hospital, we found 21 patients with gunshot injuries were being treated.
Below are some of the documented cases:
Innocent Mummo. (Deceased, 18 years old) was shot in the head and neck in Ngong during the protests. At the time of PRWG’s visit, he was in critical condition in the intensive care unit. Tragically, he has since succumbed to his injuries.
Kimani J.* (Motorbike rider) was shot in the shoulder while transporting a passenger through Ngong town. He reported seeing both uniformed and plainclothes police officers firing at protesters before he was hit. His injury occurred before the arrival of officers in unmarked Subaru vehicles.
Paul* (a commuter) was heading home from work, was attacked by aggressors. Shortly after the attack began, police arrived and began shooting indiscriminately. Peter was struck in the leg by a bullet during the chaos. The police did not intervene to stop the violence.
Raphael* (28 years old) was shot in the right thigh and was undergoing surgery at the time of PRWG’s visit. His family members were at the hospital, awaiting updates on his condition.
Dennis K. (Deceased) was shot attempting to close the gate at his workplace in Ngong after the protests had subsided. Witnesses said the fatal shot came from a bush near the entrance, an area where unmarked Subaru vehicles had been seen. After being moved between several medical facilities, Dennis underwent surgery to remove a bullet from his abdomen. Although he initially stabilized, he later died from septicemia caused by internal injuries. A post-mortem had not yet been conducted at the time of PRWG’s visit and no police officer had claimed responsibility. CCTV footage from a nearby establishment may hold vital evidence.
Oscar J. (Deceased, 24 years old) was shot in the neck while returning from a garage. He was the only son in his family and a boda boda operator supporting a young wife and two children. Witnesses reported seeing a sniper firing from a rooftop while officers in full riot gear fired into crowds targeting even those surrendering. Oscar’s body was awaiting post-mortem. No investigation or attempt to retrieve bullet casings and other evidence had been initiated by IPOA at the time of the interview.
Joseph K. (Deceased, 24 years old) was shot in the head during the protests. His family learned of his death through a live video streamed on social media. They later confirmed his body at the hospital. The family reported delays in accessing his remains and an absence of communication from investigative authorities. A post-mortem has not yet been conducted, and the incident had not been formally investigated.
Possible cases of sexual violence
At least one case of sexual violence against a female protester was reported. This is not the first time that sexual violence as a means of intimidating protesters has been used during protests. These cases have previously been documented but there has never been accountability or arrests attributable to sexual violence during protests.[1]
Unlawful Arrests
Human Rights Defenders in Ngong recorded at least 31 arrests and prolonged detention of people during the protests. 32 people who were arrested were presented before a court of law after the 24-hour constitutional period. 31 protesters were charged with terrorism contrary to section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Code and section 180 of the Evidence Act, and destruction of property riotously contrary to section 253(b).
Conclusion and Recommendations
Those who died during and after Saba Saba Day are not just numbers. They are fathers, mothers, young people, and children whose lives have been ripped from their families. For the survivors, many have injuries that forever change their lives. We especially mourn Bridget Njoki, a 12-year-old killed while watching television in her own home, and remember Albert Ojwang and Julia Njoki, who died in state custody under circumstances that still require full and transparent investigations, justice and compensation.
We are deeply alarmed by the indiscriminate and heavy deployment of police and the use of live ammunition in residential areas in counties such as Kajiado and Kiambu. At least seven minors are currently receiving treatment for gunshot wounds and other injuries.
We remind the government and security agencies of their obligation to uphold the Constitution and the rights enshrined in it, including the right to life (Art.26), freedom and security of the person (Art.29), peaceful assembly, demonstration, picketing, and petition (Art.37) and the rights of arrested persons to be promptly informed of the reasons for arrest, access to legal counsel and medical care, and to be presented in court within the legally stipulated time (Art. 49).
The National Police Service Act (Art. 244) mandates the police to facilitate peaceful assemblies, not suppress them. It strictly limits the use of force to instances that are necessary, proportionate, and accountable. The Sixth Schedule of the National Police Service Standing Orders further prohibits the use of live ammunition for crowd control, except in extreme, legally justifiable circumstances.
Furthermore, the Constitution prohibits arbitrary pre-trial detention. Every accused person must be granted access to legal counsel, medical care, and the opportunity to challenge their detention in open court. The profiling and mass arrest of individuals based on perceived political affiliation or ethnicity undermines the rule of law and further polarizes our society.
The Police Reforms Working Group acknowledges the constitutional independence of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution but notes with deep concern the increasing trend of preferring terrorism charges, robbery with violence and other capital offences against protesters and people involved in protests. We remind the ODPP that the office is required to maintain “the public interest, the interests of the administration of justice and the need to prevent and avoid abuse of the legal process” (Provision 157(11) and uphold their own guidelines on the Decision to Charge and Inter-Agency Guidelines on Cooperation and Collaboration in the investigation and Prosecution of Terrorism and Terrorism Financing.
While we recognize concerns about criminal elements infiltrating protests, it remains the duty of the state to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and lawbreakers, ensuring that any enforcement action remains lawful, targeted, and humane.
We therefore demand that:
- The Executive unequivocally uphold our constitutional freedom from the excessive use of force, halts the use of live ammunition in residential areas, and initiates deep policy changes to protest policing.
- The National Police Service upholds its constitutional role in protecting life, facilitate peaceful protests, and hold officers accountable for unlawful killings and serious injuries.
- The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) urgently concludes investigations into the 38 documented deaths, over 500 injuries, and other abuses, and publicly shares its findings and the swift intervention to preserve evidence in places where killings and severe injuries have been reported.
- Parliament provides oversight on the conduct of security agencies and act decisively to protect the rights of Kenyans.
- The Judiciary safeguards due process and prevent prolonged or arbitrary detention of protestors.
This statement is signed by the Police Reforms Working Group, an alliance of national and grassroots organizations committed to professional, accountable, and human rights-compliant policing. They include: Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Kariobangi Paralegal Network, Katiba Institute, Defenders Coalition, Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCW), Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), International Justice Mission (IJM-K), HAKI Africa, Amnesty International Kenya, Women Empowerment Link, Social Welfare Development Program (SOWED), Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Kenya), International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ – Kenya), Transparency International Kenya, Shield For justice, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice (KPTJ) and Peace Brigades International Kenya (PBI Kenya).
[1] Amnesty International Kenya & Human Rights Watch, (2024) https://www.amnestykenya.org/unchecked-injustice-report/