How Many Lives Have Been Lost in Kenya's Recent Anti-Government Protests?

Nairobi, July 9 (NationPress) The number of fatalities resulting from the anti-government demonstrations throughout Kenya has now reached 31, as reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Furthermore, 107 individuals have sustained injuries, and more than 500 people have been detained.

"The KNCHR vehemently condemns all violations of human rights and calls for accountability from all parties involved, including law enforcement, civilians, and other stakeholders. We extend our heartfelt condolences to those mourning the loss of loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," the human rights organization stated on Tuesday.

The protests began on Monday, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba (seven-seven) movement, which was instrumental in Kenya's transition from a single-party system to a multiparty democracy on July 7, 1990.

In a related incident on Tuesday, a new wave of protests erupted in the town of Kiambu, where hundreds of residents took to the streets to voice their outrage over the death of a 12-year-old girl, allegedly struck down by a stray bullet during the Saba Saba demonstrations, according to local media.

The girl's mother recounted that the family was sheltering at home to avoid the protests when the tragic incident occurred. A bullet fatally injured the girl in the head.

"We were at home around 6:20 p.m. when we heard a loud noise. I saw my daughter covered in blood. Initially, we thought she had hurt herself, but upon checking, she collapsed. There was a hole in her head," the grieving mother told a local media outlet.

Reports indicate that Kiambu was among the areas heavily impacted by the protests on Monday, with multiple casualties feared amidst clashes between police and demonstrators.

The KNCHR expressed serious concerns regarding human rights violations during the Saba Saba anniversary protests.

"The Commission noted significant police barricades on major roads and access points, which greatly hindered the movement of citizens, particularly in Nairobi. Additional blockades were observed in Kiambu, Meru, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Embu. Many individuals were unable to attend work, despite a directive from Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, mandating all government employees to be present at work without exception," the human rights agency reported.

According to the human rights body, the presence of criminal gangs armed with crude weapons—such as whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows, and arrows—was noted in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Eldoret.

"In both Nairobi and Eldoret, these masked gangs were seen operating in conjunction with police officers," the statement further disclosed.