Police have revealed the number of deaths, injuries, and arrests made during the Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Member of parliament for Manyatta Constituency, Gitonga Mukunji was among 567 people arrested during the deadly Saba Saba demonstrations, which left at least 11 people dead and dozens injured across Kenya.
In a statement released by the National Police Service (NPS), authorities confirmed that the July 7 protests spiraled into violence in several towns and cities, resulting in widespread clashes, looting, and property damage.
Among the injured were 52 police officers and 11 civilians. The unrest also saw the destruction of 12 police vehicles, three government cars, and four civilian vehicles.
“While the majority of Kenyans remained law-abiding, a section of individuals engaged in acts of lawlessness, attacking law enforcement and participating in looting,” said NPS spokesperson Mucha Nyaga.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji arrested
Gitonga’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru said the legislator was arrested at around 3 pm and booked at Kibii Police Station at 3:53 pm.
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Mukunji was later picked up by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based at Juja Police Station.
Njiru said the MP was booked under Occurrence Book (OB) number 06/07/07/2025.
The police boss also indicated that Mukunji is likely to face charges of incitement to violence, without giving further details, he added.
Police Conduct Praised on Saba Saba Protests
NPS hailed their officers for showing what they called “exceptional restraint and professionalism,” even as they faced “sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests.”
Investigations are ongoing into the incidents, with authorities pledging to bring perpetrators to justice.
The public has been urged to report any suspects still at large by visiting the nearest police station or calling the toll-free number 0800 722 203.
The annual Saba Saba protests, traditionally held on July 7 to commemorate Kenya’s pro-democracy movement of the 1990s, took on a new urgency this year.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the safety of all citizens amid ongoing political tensions.
KNCHR Saba Saba Death Toll
In a separate update, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that at least 10 people lost their lives and around 30 others were injured during the Saba Saba demonstrations, raising serious concerns over the state’s use of force.
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The Commission stated multiple instances of police misconduct, including the deployment of masked officers in unmarked vehicles despite a standing court order prohibiting such practices.
By 6:30 pm, KNCHR had recorded 10 confirmed deaths, and 29 injuries tied directly to the protests, which spanned 17 counties.
“The Commission noted several instances of plainclothes, hooded officers patrolling in vehicles without license plates,” the report stated.
There were also reports of groups of hooded individuals carrying crude weapons roaming through various towns.
In some cases, these gangs appeared to operate alongside law enforcement, further fueling unrest.
Roadblocks and police barricades caused widespread disruption, leaving many people stranded, even as public servants were instructed to remain on duty.
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