Nairobi, Kenya – 7th July 2025 – The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed a grim toll following the “Sabasaba” protests held across Kenya on Monday, with 11 fatalities, dozens injured, and hundreds arrested in what authorities describe as a wave of “lawlessness” that overshadowed largely peaceful demonstrations.
In a press statement issued hours after the protests, the NPS praised the majority of Kenyans for maintaining order but condemned what it called “criminal elements” who hijacked the demonstrations, leading to violent clashes, looting, and attacks on law enforcement.
Casualties and Destruction
Preliminary reports reveal a stark breakdown of the day’s events:
- 11 civilians killed in protest-related incidents.
- 52 police officers and 11 civilians injured, some critically.
- 19 vehicles destroyed, including 12 police cars and 3 government vehicles.
- 567 arrests made, including Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency, though the exact charges remain unclear.
The NPS did not specify the circumstances of the fatalities but vowed to investigate each incident thoroughly. Eyewitnesses earlier reported live ammunition use in some areas, though authorities have yet to confirm this.
Police Defend “Restraint” Amid Chaos
Despite the violence, the NPS insisted its officers showed “exceptional restraint” while facing “sustained provocation.” The statement highlighted attacks on police lines, vandalism of property, and looting as key flashpoints.
Critics, however, have questioned the police’s account. Human rights groups and opposition figures allege excessive force, citing social media footage of officers firing tear gas into crowds and beating detainees. The NPS has dismissed these claims, urging the public to share evidence of misconduct via toll-free lines (999, 911, 112) or #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203).
Political Fallout
The arrest of MP Gitonga Mukunji has escalated tensions, with his party, the Progressive Alliance, condemning it as a “politically motivated abduction.” The NPS has not disclosed charges but insists all arrests followed “clear criminal acts.”
The protests, dubbed “Sabasaba” (a Swahili reference to the date, 7/7), were initially called to demand electoral reforms and lower living costs. By midday, however, running battles between police and masked youths dominated headlines, with businesses shuttering in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
What Next?
The NPS pledged “expeditious investigations” into all crimes linked to the protests, promising justice for victims. Meanwhile, civil society groups demand an independent inquiry into the deaths, while the government warns against further unrest.
As Kenya grapples with the aftermath, the Sabasaba protests join a fraught history of demonstrations marred by violence—raising familiar questions about policing, dissent, and accountability.
