Kenya's human rights watchdog delivered devastating news about the deadly Saba Saba demonstrations that rocked the country on July 7, 2025. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights counted 38 bodies from the violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Another 130 victims remain hospitalized or recuperating at home from serious injuries sustained during the chaos. The commission continues tracking rights abuses while helping grieving families navigate the complex postmortem process. Multiple organizations including the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority work alongside KNCHR to investigate each death.
Kiambu County suffered the heaviest losses with eight fatalities, while Nairobi and Kajiado each recorded six deaths. Nakuru tallied four victims as Kirinyaga and Murang'a counties lost three people each. The remaining casualties spread across Embu, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Nyamira regions. Women accounted for four deaths while two children perished in the violence that predominantly claimed young lives under 25 years old.
Medical examiners discovered bullets caused 14 deaths among the 15 completed autopsies. A 12-year-old girl became the youngest victim when gunfire struck her while she watched television inside her Kiambu home. The commission demanded government action after families faced unexpected bills for postmortems, medical care, and morgue services. Officials had previously promised to cover these expenses for affected families who lack financial resources.
Kiambu County suffered the heaviest losses with eight fatalities, while Nairobi and Kajiado each recorded six deaths. Nakuru tallied four victims as Kirinyaga and Murang'a counties lost three people each. The remaining casualties spread across Embu, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua, and Nyamira regions. Women accounted for four deaths while two children perished in the violence that predominantly claimed young lives under 25 years old.
Medical examiners discovered bullets caused 14 deaths among the 15 completed autopsies. A 12-year-old girl became the youngest victim when gunfire struck her while she watched television inside her Kiambu home. The commission demanded government action after families faced unexpected bills for postmortems, medical care, and morgue services. Officials had previously promised to cover these expenses for affected families who lack financial resources.
