At least 567 people were arrested on Monday, July 7, following a wave of violent protests during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations that rocked several parts of the country.
In an official statement, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the arrests, noting that among those detained was Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji. The day’s unrest left 11 people dead and 52 police officers injured.
The police also reported extensive property damage, with 12 police vehicles, three government vehicles, and four civilian cars vandalized or destroyed during the demonstrations.
“Each reported incident will be subject to further investigation in accordance with the law,” read part of the NPS statement.
Police Praise Orderly Citizens, Blame Criminal Elements
The NPS acknowledged Kenyans who heeded calls to maintain peace but accused some groups of using the protests as a cover to commit criminal acts, including attacks on police officers and looting.
“We commend the majority of Kenyans for being law-abiding. However, certain individuals engaged in acts of lawlessness, including violence and destruction of property,” the police said.
The NPS also applauded its officers for exercising restraint despite provocation, encouraging the public to report any suspects still at large through police hotlines or the anonymous #FichuakwaDCI tip line.
Rights Group Condemns Police Conduct
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), however, issued a scathing counter-statement, accusing police of disregarding court directives and using unlawful tactics to suppress the protests.
“The police have flagrantly ignored a High Court order mandating that officers deployed to manage protests be in uniform and clearly identifiable,” KNCHR said.
The Commission reported seeing numerous hooded individuals in plainclothes traveling in unmarked vehicles across Nairobi, Kajiado, and Nakuru counties.
KNCHR further raised concerns about the emergence of armed gangs seen operating alongside police in Eldoret, Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado. The gangs reportedly wielded crude weapons, including whips, machetes, and bows and arrows.
“In Nairobi and Eldoret, these hooded gangs were seen patrolling with police officers,” the statement added.
Human Rights Groups Report Higher Casualties
While the police confirmed 11 deaths, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights earlier reported 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, and two abductions linked to the protests. Human rights organisations and opposition leaders have condemned what they termed excessive force by law enforcement.
Protesters had taken to the streets to mark Saba Saba Day, commemorating the historic July 7, 1990, pro-democracy protests that led to the repeal of Section 2A and the return of multiparty politics in Kenya. This year’s events were largely driven by grievances over the high cost of living, police brutality, and concerns about governance under President William Ruto’s administration.
Investigations into the deaths, property destruction, and police conduct are expected to continue in the coming days, even as calls grow louder for accountability and reform in the handling of public demonstrations.
