KNCHR: 10 killed, 29 others injured in Saba Saba protests

Protesters carry caskets along Kisii Kisumu highway while chanting the Wantam slogan during Saba Saba protests.[Sammy Omingo, Standard

At least 10 people have been killed and 29 others injured across various counties during the Saba Saba Day commemoration.

 In a statement on Monday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), vice-chairperson Raymond Nyeris, reported two cases of abduction and 37 arbitrary arrests across 17 counties.

The Commission also noted that police had blocked major roads and access points to key towns, particularly in Nairobi, thereby restricting people's movements. 

Additional roadblocks were reported in Kiambu, Meru, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Embu.

These blockades prevented many individuals from reaching their workplaces, despite a directive issued by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku, requiring all government employees to report to work without fail.

Many businesses nationwide remained closed due to fears of looting and destruction.

 However, incidents of looting were reported in six counties, and the Kerugoya Central CDF office was set on fire by suspected criminals.

 Education was disrupted across the country, as most schools and educational institutions remained closed.

Nyeris expressed concern about receiving calls from patients who were unable to access healthcare due to road closures.

 Passengers were also stranded at roadblocks, as public transport—including air and rail services—was severely disrupted.

The Commission raised concerns regarding the police's continued disregard for high court orders mandating that all officers managing demonstrations be in official uniform and remain identifiable at all times. 

"The Commission observed numerous hooded officers, not in uniform, travelling in unmarked vehicles while patrolling Nairobi, Kajiado, and Nakuru counties," Nyeris added.

Criminal gangs were spotted carrying crude weapons, including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, bows, and arrows in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Eldoret.

 "In Nairobi and Eldoret, these hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers," the commission noted.

The Commission condemned the attack on the Nairobi offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) yesterday by hired goons and called for legal action to be taken against the perpetrators. 

“The Commission calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the masterminds and perpetrators of this attack, who were clearly captured on CCTV footage.” 

Nyeris expressed further concerns about the rise in harassment and persecution of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) accused of organising the ongoing protests. 

He urged the government to cease the harassment of Civil Society Organisations, Human Rights Defenders, and to stop criminalising legitimate human rights work.