Saba Saba Death Toll Rises To 31: KNCHR
This represents a rise of more than three times from the death toll at 11 as reported on Monday, July 7, by the National Police Service (NPS) and KNCHR, which reported the number at 10.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The death toll from the Saba Saba protests has climbed to 31, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Tuesday, July 8, reporting 107 injuries, two cases of abduction, and 532 arrests tied to the nationwide demonstrations.
This represents a rise of more than three times from the death toll at 11 as reported on Monday, July 7, by the National Police Service (NPS) and KNCHR, which reported the number at 10.
Earlier reports had put the number at 27, spread out across counties such as Kiambu (6), Nairobi (5), Murang'a (4), Ngong' (3), Kiserian (2), Naivasha (2), Juja (1), Thika (1), Kitengela (1), Kerugoya (1), and Embu (1).
Among the 31 who died included 12-year-old Bridget Njoki Wainaina, who was fatally hit by a stray police bullet while inside her home in Ndumberi, Kiambu, on July 7, the demise leading to fresh protests in the town.
Hundreds of residents in Kiambu Town on July 8, 2025 following the death of 12-year-old Bridget Njoki Wainaina on July 7. /THEE ALFA HOUSE
Bridget had stayed home that day due to the unrest linked to the Saba Saba protests. Sadly, despite seeking safety indoors, a stray bullet fired by police struck and killed her.
Her mother recounted the heartbreaking moment to journalists, saying she was in the house with her children around 6:20 pm when they suddenly heard a loud gunshot.
"It was around 6:20 pm when we heard a loud bang. On checking on my daughter, I saw that she had blood on her hands. At first, I thought something had scratched her, but upon looking carefully, I noticed she had a hole on her head. That's when I shouted for help, and her father came in," the mother narrated.
The family rushed Bridget to St. Bridget's Hospital, where doctors tried to revive her and prep her for surgery. Unfortunately, they found her heart had already stopped. Despite several attempts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead.
Devastated by the loss, Bridget’s mother condemned the circumstances that led to her daughter's death. She described Bridget as a dedicated and respectful girl with big dreams — dreams now tragically cut short.
Driven largely by Gen Z youth, the protests broke out on Monday in response to governance failures, economic strain, and deepening mistrust in government institutions, marking the 35th anniversary of the original Saba Saba uprising in 1990.
In a statement to newsrooms, KNCHR strongly condemned the police's excessive use of force and demanded accountability from all those involved.
"The KNCHR strongly condemns all Human Rights violations and urges accountability from all responsible parties, including police, civilians and all other stakeholders. We once again send our message of condolence to those who lost their loved ones and wish a quick recovery to those nursing injuries," stated KNCHR.
The commission emphasized that the incidents during the July 7 protests served as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting constitutional rights and freedoms, especially the right to peaceful assembly.
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) also voiced concern, raising alarm over the reported deaths and arrests.
“We are deeply troubled by reports of police violence against unarmed protesters in Kenya, including the use of lethal force,” said a spokesperson for UN Human Rights in Geneva. “The right to peaceful protest must be protected, and those responsible for unlawful killings and injuries must be held to account.”
The UN also called on Kenyan authorities to uphold their international human rights obligations, ensure access to justice, and protect the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
Similar concerns have been raised by human rights organisations and religious leaders nationwide, who are demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the reported killings and arbitrary arrests.
In contrast, the government has insisted that the demonstrations were hijacked by criminal elements, justifying the police response as necessary to maintain order and prevent property damage. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has pledged to review the security response but emphasised the need to uphold law and order.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) stated that it will continue monitoring developments and supporting efforts aimed at achieving justice and meaningful reforms to prevent further violence.
