Editor's Review

KNCHR has recorded 31 deaths and 107 injuries resulting from the Saba Saba Day protests.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has recorded 31 deaths resulting from the Monday, July 7, Saba Saba Day protests.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 8, KNCHR Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris noted that 107 people suffered injuries as a result of the protests while 532 others were arrested.

The commission also documented two cases of enforced disappearances during the demos and the destruction of property of unknown value.

 KNCHR condemned the violation of human rights during the protests and called for accountability from police, civilians, and all other stakeholders.

“The KNCHR strongly condemns all Human Rights violations and urges accountability from all responsible parties, including police, civilians, and all other stakeholders. We once again send our message of condolence to those who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those nursing injuries,” said Nyeris.

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File image of scenes across the country on Saba Saba Day.

This comes after the United Nations (UN) expressed concern over the killings witnessed in parts of the country during the Saba Saba Day protests.

In a statement, the UN also expressed concerns over the destruction of property and the use of force by security agencies.

“We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya as police and other security forces responded to violent protests in the capital Nairobi, and at least 16 other counties. Lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons were used,” the statement read.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for accountability and respect for human rights.

He also urged credible investigations into the violations and emphasized that those responsible must be held to account.

“The High Commissioner repeats his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including with respect to the use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently, and transparently investigated. Those responsible must be held to account," the statement added.