KNCHR Reports 10 Dead, 37 Arrests as Saba Saba Protests Turn Violent; Police Accused of Defying Court Order
NAIROBI, Kenya,July 7 –The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR has documented 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 2 abductions, and 37 arrests across 17 counties.
In a statement issued Monday, KNCHR says that the nationwide kimbikimbis (demonstrations) marking 35th Saba Saba Commemorations morphed into chaos, with police accused of using excessive force and hooded criminal gangs marauded the streets with impunity.
Police LockDowns
According to KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr Raymond Nyeris, there were heavy law enforcers barricades which paralyzed movement in most counties.
The epicentres of the protests were reported in counties such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Meru, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Embu, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Several government workers defied Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku directive to report to work, while businesses shut down fearing looting and destruction.
The human rights body further reports that in six counties, shops were ransacked, and the Kerugoya Central CDF office was torched by suspected arsonists.
Schools remained closed nationwide, and critically ill patients were unable to access health facilities due to impassable roads.
Public transport was severely disrupted- including air and rail services leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Court Defiance
The KNCHR further condemned the police for blatant violation of High Court order requiring officers on protest-duty to wear identifiable uniforms.
But, instead hooded officers in unmarked vehicles patrolled the cities of Nairobi and Nakuru, and Kajiado town.
Moreover, armed gangs brandishing machetes, spears, whips, and bows ‘operated alongside police’ in Nairobi, Eldoret, Kiambu, and Kajiado.
KHRC Raided
In a broad daylight attack, hired thugs stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices, beating staff and protesters.
Journalists covering the raid of the civic body were harassed and robbed of equipment.
Consequently, KNCHR is demanding immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators caught on CCTV footage.
Activists Crackdown
In the past week, the KNCHR says that more than 20 Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) have been arrested, beaten, or summoned by security agencies in what KNCHR terms as calls a “well-choreographed persecution” of dissent.
The Commission also slammed the “criminalization of legitimate rights work and demanded an end to state harassment.”
In its motto of Haki Kwa Wote Kila Wakati
(Justice for All, Always) KNCHR reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all citizens’ rights, as it warned that accountability for violations will be pursued.
