What did the KNCHR uncover during the protests?
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised the alarm over multiple human rights violations witnessed during Monday’s Saba Saba anniversary protests. In a press release issued in the evening, KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris reported that by 6:30 p.m., the Commission had recorded ten deaths, twenty-nine injuries, two abductions, and thirty-seven arrests across seventeen counties.
The demonstrations, held in honor of the 1990 pro-democracy movement, paralyzed several parts of the country. Police barricades blocked key roads, especially in Nairobi, restricting movement and cutting off access to basic services. “Many citizens were unable to report to work, despite a directive by the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service requiring government employees to be on duty,” the statement read.
Six counties confirmed looting incidents as many businesses shut down out of fear. In Kerugoya, suspected criminals set fire to the Central CDF office in a brazen act of destruction.
How were education and transport affected nationwide?
Normal life was severely disrupted. Most schools were forced to close, and patients were left stranded due to roadblocks that hindered access to medical facilities. Public transport, including air and rail services, faced major delays, leaving hundreds of passengers stuck in limbo.
Why are concerns around police accountability growing?
KNCHR flagged major violations of a court order requiring officers policing protests to be uniformed and identifiable. Instead, officers in hoodies and unmarked vehicles were spotted patrolling parts of Nairobi, Kajiado, and Nakuru. Even more disturbing was the alleged collaboration between law enforcement and armed criminal gangs reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Eldoret. These gangs reportedly attacked both protesters and civilians using clubs, machetes, and even bows and arrows.
The Commission condemned a violent raid on the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices, where staff and civilians were attacked by hired goons. Journalists covering the incident were also beaten and robbed. KNCHR is demanding swift arrests, noting that some attackers were captured on CCTV.
By Risper Akinyi
