Editor's Review

At the same time, NPS confirmed that 12 police vehicles, three government vehicles, and four civilian vehicles were damaged during the skirmishes.

A total of 567 individuals were arrested on Monday, July 7, following widespread unrest during the Saba Saba Day. 

In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the arrested people include Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji.

Additionally, NPS noted that the protests left 11 people dead, and 52 police officers injured, and led to significant property damage.

According to the police, 12 police vehicles, three government vehicles, and four civilian vehicles were damaged during the skirmishes.  

“Each reported incident will be subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

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The NPS further acknowledged the conduct of law-abiding citizens while condemning criminal acts witnessed during the demonstrations.

“The NPS commends the majority of Kenyans for being law-abiding and heeding the call to maintain law and order. However, certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts, including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting,” the statement continued.

File image of people camping outside Eagle Nursing Home in Kangemi, demanding the release of the bodies of shot victims during the Saba Saba protest

The NPS also praised its officers for showing restraint and professionalism despite facing violent provocation.

“The NPS also commends its officers for demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests and encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in criminal activities who are still at large to come forward and share that information to report to the nearest police station or contact us via our toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112, or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203),” the statement concluded.

Earlier Monday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned what it described as the unlawful conduct of law enforcement officers, accusing police of violating a court order requiring officers managing protests to be in uniform and clearly identifiable.

“The KNCHR has noted that the police have continued to flagrantly disregard a High Court order mandating that all officers managing demonstrations be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times.

"The Commission observed numerous hooded officers, not in uniform, traveling in unmarked vehicles while patrolling Nairobi, Kajiado, and Nakuru counties," KNCHR stated.

The commission also raised the alarm over the presence of armed criminal gangs in Eldoret and Nairobi cities operating alongside police.

“Additionally, the presence of criminal gangs wielding crude weapons, including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows and arrows, was noted in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Eldoret. In Nairobi and Eldoret, these hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers," the statement added.