Kenya’s annual Saba Saba commemorations, historically a beacon for democratic aspirations, took a stark and tragic turn on Monday, July 7, 2025. The National Police Service (NPS) has released a preliminary report detailing the sobering human cost and widespread disruption of the demonstrations, revealing that at least 11 people lost their lives and 567 individuals were arrested across the nation.
The official statement from NPS spokesperson Mucha Nyaga confirmed that what began as attempts to exercise constitutional rights spiraled into significant violence in numerous towns and cities. The day was marred by widespread clashes, rampant looting, and extensive property damage, casting a long shadow over the spirit of peaceful assembly.
The toll on lives and property was considerable: beyond the 11 fatalities, 52 police officers and 11 civilians sustained injuries. The unrest also left a trail of destruction, with 12 police vehicles, three government cars, and four civilian vehicles either damaged or destroyed. "While the majority of Kenyans remained law-abiding, a section of individuals engaged in acts of lawlessness, attacking law enforcement and participating in looting," Nyaga stated, laying blame on specific elements rather than the entire protesting populace.
Among those caught in the dragnet of arrests was Manyatta Constituency Member of Parliament, Gitonga Mukunji. His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, confirmed the legislator's arrest around 3 PM, with subsequent booking at Kibii Police Station. Mukunji was later transferred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at Juja Police Station and is reportedly facing potential charges of incitement to violence, though further details remain pending. His arrest sent ripples through the political class, underscoring the government's resolve to clamp down on perceived instigators of unrest.
Despite the heavy casualties and widespread arrests, the NPS largely lauded the conduct of its officers. The police force was praised for demonstrating "exceptional restraint and professionalism," even in the face of "sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests." This commendation, however, is likely to be met with skepticism by human rights organizations and segments of the public who have consistently reported instances of police brutality and excessive force during recent demonstrations. Indeed, other reports from the day, including those from human rights watchdog, indicated instances of police operating in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles, defying court orders, and engaging in aggressive tactics.
The NPS has announced that investigations into the incidents are ongoing, with authorities pledging to bring all perpetrators of violence and destruction to justice. The public has been urged to cooperate by reporting any suspects still at large to their nearest police station or via a dedicated toll-free number.
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This year’s Saba Saba protests carried an intensified urgency, fueled by mounting public frustrations over economic hardship, police brutality, and recent deaths in police custody. While traditionally commemorating Kenya’s pro-democracy movement of the 1990s, the day has evolved into a contemporary platform for grievances, largely championed by younger Kenyans demanding accountability and governance reforms.
