Ten people were killed and at least 29 injured in various parts of the country as Kenya marked the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba Day, a day that saw protests erupt in 17 counties.
As of 6.30pm the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) had also documented two abductions and 37 arrests across the affected counties.
Parliament Road and City Hall way blocked by police on July 7,2025 ahead of planned Saba Saba protests.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada | Nation Media Group
Demonstrations were reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisii, Nakuru, Embu, Kajiado, Nyeri, Narok, Laikipia, Murang’a, Meru, Machakos, Kirinyaga, Uasin Gishu, Makueni, Kakamega and Nyandarua.
According to the state-funded commission, police erected barricades on major roads and entry points, severely disrupting movement, particularly in Nairobi.
A water cannon dispersing protesters in Kitengela town on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation Media Group
Additional blockades were reported in Kiambu, Meru, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru and Embu.
“Many Kenyans were unable to report to work “despite a directive issued yesterday by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku requiring all government employees to report to work without fail,” said the KNHRC.
The commission also criticised law enforcement for ignoring a High Court order requiring all officers managing protests to wear official uniforms and remain identifiable at all times.
At least 10 people killed during Saba Saba protests across Kenya
“Numerous hooded officers in plain clothes travelling in unmarked vehicles were seen patrolling Nairobi, Kajiado and Nakuru counties. Additionally, the presence of criminal gangs wielding crude weapons including whips, wooden clubs, machetes, spears, and bows and arrows —was observed in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Eldoret. In Nairobi and Eldoret, these hooded gangs were seen operating alongside police officers,” KNHRC Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris said in a statement.
In Kangemi, one protester was fatally shot along Waiyaki Way and left lying on the road. In Kitengela, tension ran high as police clashed with protesters pushing crowds into narrow corridors along Old Namanga Road.
Youths carrying a fatally shot person in Kangemi, Nairobi, during Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
One of the victims, 21-year-old boda boda rider Brian Kimutai was shot dead by police. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Kitengela Sub-County Hospital.
“He is my younger brother. He had just raised his hands in surrender and he was working in town. They have killed him. All we want is justice for my brother,” Kimutai’s s brother Antonella Ashava, 26, told Daily Nation.
While most businesses remained closed, some youths took advantage of the chaos to loot shops along Mwireri Street in Kitengela.
Irate protestors at Kitegela Sub County Hospital after a boda boda rider succumbed to gunshot wounds on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation Media Group
Nyandarua Central Sub-County Police Commander Sammy Kamau confirmed that a police officer was also injured during the confrontations.
“They attacked officers who had moved to clear the road, prompting the officers to respond in self-defense. I can confirm that Tumaini was a hotspot today,” he said.
A Kenya Prisons officer receives first aid from Red Cross medics after being injured during protests in Kitengela town on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation Media Group
At JM Memorial Hospital, Medical Superintendent Dr Beatrice Mugure confirmed that one victim had been admitted to the ICU.
“We received one patient who is under special care in the ICU. I don’t have further details yet, as the patient is undergoing emergency treatment and examination,” Dr Mugure said.
A female protester jumps over a bonfire as she flees from anti-riot police officers at Free Area, along Nakuru-Nairobi highway on July 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
In Thika town, one person was seriously injured during clashes between protesters and police, though Thika West Sub-County Police Commander Lawrence Muchangi disputed reports that the victim had died from gunshot wounds.
“The situation has not officially been reported to me and I cannot confirm any known fatalities,” Mr Muchangi said by phone.
Tension remained high in Thika with many businesses closed amid fears of looting. Residents accused the government of extrajudicial killings and corruption, which they say have led to joblessness.
In Kiambu, similar scenes played out as police clashed with demonstrators. One protester was reportedly seriously injured and rushed to Kiambu Level 5 Hospital. Businesses remained shut and public transport was paralysed.
In Murang’a, one person died according to County Health Chief Officer Mr Eliud Maina.
Mr Maina told Daily Nation on the evening of July 7, 2025 that in total more than 140 people were reported injured in running battles, seven of them being police officers.
Mr Maina added that the major battlefield between police officers and protesters was Kangari town in Kigumo constituency where 15 injuries and deaths were recorded.
He said Kenyatta National Hospital has since turned down referral requests for the two critically injured.
"The KNH management told us that their facility and manpower capacities are overwhelmed and there is no space for admissions," he said.
"The youngest injured is one year and the oldest is 75," he said.
At Githurai 45, youths blocked roads while police kept protesters at bay. Thika Road Mall was closed to prevent potential looting.
In Kisii, at least five people were injured after being struck by arrows. They were taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, where a medical officer speaking anonymously confirmed the injuries were mostly to the arms.
“We received five patients with arrows lodged in their arms. We managed to safely remove them,” the officer said.
Bonfires lit by youths in Kisii Town during Saba Saba protests.
Photo credit: Wyclife Nyaberi | Nation Media Group
Protesters in Kisii accused local politicians of hiring goons to disrupt the otherwise peaceful demonstrations.
“Some politicians brought in hired thugs and stationed them at key locations to guard properties associated with local leaders. When we passed by, they attacked. Still, this won’t stop our call for good governance,” said Kisii resident Sammy Nyakundi.
In Nyeri town, running battles between demonstrators and police appeared to target specific businesses. Protesters initially tried to loot Khetia’s Supermarket but were repelled by stationed officers.
Frustrated, they turned to smaller businesses, attacking a restaurant, a phone shop, a nightclub, a boutique, and the Well Fargo outlet in the CBD. Witnesses described the unrest as calculated rather than spontaneous.
“There were rumours the day before that chaos was coming. Businesspeople were advised to take their merchandise home because unknown individuals were reportedly ferried into town to protest,” said a local trader who asked not to be named.
Reporting by Daniel Ogetta, Mwangi Muiruri, Mercy Mwende, Waikwa Maina, Ndubi Moturi, Stanley Ngotho, and Simon Ciuri
