Blood on the Streets: KNCHR Report Exposes the Grim Reality of Kenya's Saba Saba Protests
KNCHR reports 31 dead and 107 injured in Kenya's Saba Saba protests. Amidst soaring casualties and misplaced government priorities, is Kenya losing its way?
Pauline Afande
July 9, 2025
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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has delivered a devastating indictment of the state of human rights in Kenya following the Saba Saba anniversary protests on Monday, July 7th. Their latest report paints a chilling picture: 31 confirmed deaths, 107 injuries, 2 enforced disappearances, and a staggering 532 arrests. These aren't just statistics; they represent lives brutally cut short, dreams shattered, and a nation grappling with profound grief and outrage.
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, KNCHR Vice-Chairperson, condemned the widespread human rights violations, demanding accountability from "all responsible parties, including the police, civilians and all other stakeholders." Yet, as the bodies pile up and reports of innocent civilians being slain in their homes or at their workplaces emerge, a haunting question hangs over Kenya: Is President William Ruto's government truly prioritizing the lives of its citizens, or are its priorities tragically misplaced?
The Unbearable Cost of Dissent: 31 Lives Lost
The Saba Saba anniversary, meant to commemorate a historic struggle for democracy, instead became a bloody battlefield. . The 31 deaths reported by KNCHR for this single day of protest alone are a stark reminder of the lethal force deployed. These aren't just "protesters" who died; they are fathers, mothers, siblings, and friends. Some were active participants, bravely exercising their constitutional right to protest against a soaring cost of living and alleged government corruption. Others were innocent bystanders, caught in the crossfire of live bullets and tear gas. The tragic case of the 12-year-old girl shot dead in her home serves as a horrifying emblem of this indiscriminate violence.
This grim toll adds to an already alarming number of casualties from previous protests. The streets of Kenya have become battlegrounds, stained with the blood of its own citizens.
Misplaced Priorities in a Mourning Nation?
Amidst this national tragedy, the public's frustration with the government's perceived inaction and insensitivity is reaching a boiling point. The President's audacious question to the nation, "How do you want me to go home?", rings hollow to a populace mourning its dead and demanding accountability. Even more jarring is the news of his purported plan to construct a place of worship near State House using taxpayer money.
In a country grappling with economic hardship, widespread unemployment (especially among the youth), and a spiraling human rights crisis, such declarations feel like a cruel mockery. Is this the priority for a leader elected to uphold the Constitution, protect its citizens, and foster peace and democracy? The Gen Z, who have been at the forefront of these protests, are not just crying out for economic relief; they are demanding a fundamental shift in governance, an end to police brutality, and a restoration of democratic ideals.
A Nation Lost? The Erosion of Trust and Tourism's Future
The KNCHR report, detailing massive police barricades, limited access to critical services, and the pervasive fear of violence, paints a picture of a nation teetering on the edge. Can Kenya truly be a tourist attraction site when its own citizens fear for their lives in their homes and on their streets? The tourism industry, a cornerstone of Kenya's economy, has already experienced significant decline amid the political turmoil, with reports of declining international arrivals and investor caution.
The recurring cycle of protests, police crackdowns, and a growing death toll erodes not only public trust but also Kenya's international standing. The world is watching, and the image of a vibrant, stable democracy is rapidly giving way to one marred by violence and human rights abuses.
A Cry for Liberation and Accountability
The 31 bodies from Saba Saba Day are not isolated incidents. They are a continuation of a pattern of violence witnessed in last year's demonstrations and the recent protests leading up to Saba Saba. The live bullets, the enforced disappearances, the targeted killings – these are all stark indicators that the government is not listening to the grievances of its people. Arrests and silence will not quell this movement; they will only deepen the wounds.
Kenya is lost, and its youth are crying. The nation is mourning. The path to liberation lies not in further repression, but in genuine dialogue, immediate accountability for those who have violated human rights, comprehensive police reform, and a renewed commitment from the government to serve the very people it was elected to protect. Until then, the cries of the grieving will only grow louder, and the hope for a truly democratic and prosperous Kenya will continue to recede.
About the Author
Pauline Afande
Pauline Afande
Pauline officially launched Kush Concert Series in 2023, after half a decade of working as a manager. She's KCS’s proud COO, the company's Chief Operating Officer.
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