Families of protest victims who succumbed to gunshot wounds have reported being denied the opportunity to conduct postmortems at Nairobi City Mortuary for their kin by the government.
Speaking during a media interview on Wednesday July 9 2025, some of the affected families said that when they sought postmortem services at the facility, they were turned away. Some claimed they were denied access by a Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO).
“As a family, we are requesting to be given the body so we can take it to Chiromo. You can then conduct the autopsy there because it is also a funeral home. But what the DCIO asked me is, ‘Who are you to demand the body?’
And I want to respond to Madam DCIO — is this body yours, the family’s, or the government’s?” one family member questioned.
Families of Protest Victims Claim Being Denied Postmortem Services at City Mortuary
So far, the government has not responded to the claims made by the families, who say they were denied postmortem services.
The claims come amid the release of report regarding the number of people who died from gunshot wounds during the Saba Saba protests.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 31 deaths, with 107 injuries, 532 arrests, and 2 enforced disappearances as of July 8, 2025.
Also Read: Ruto Goes After Judge Who Blocked Police from Erecting Roadblocks During Protests
The reported fatalities were spread across multiple counties. In Nairobi, at least five people lost their lives, including a 14-year-old who was struck by a bullet, with Kangemi alone accounting for two of the deaths.
Kiambu County recorded the highest number of casualties, with six deaths, among them, 12-year-old Bridget Njoki, who was killed by a stray bullet while watching television in her home in Ndumberi.
In Kajiado County, three people were killed in Ngong, two in Kiserian, and one in Kitengela, a boda boda rider shot dead. Murang’a recorded four deaths. One death was reported in Nyandarua at Tumaini Market near Ol Kalou, while Naivasha in Nakuru County mourned two fatalities. Isolated deaths were also reported in Juja and Thika in Kiambu, Kerugoya in Kirinyaga, and Mbeere in Embu County.
President Ruto Vows to Take Action on Those Who Attack Police Officers
In contrast, the National Police Service (NPS) offered significantly lower figures, reporting 11 deaths, 63 injuries (52 police officers and 11 civilians), and 567 arrests.
President William Ruto defended the actions of the police during the protests, emphasizing their role in maintaining peace and stability in Kenya.
Also Read: High Court Blocks Police from Erecting Roadblocks During Protests
Speaking during an inspection of a police housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi on Wednesday July 9 2025 , he stated that his administration would stand by security officers to ensure they are not threatened while securing the nation.
He stressed the importance of protecting Kenyan lives and property, asserting that attacks on police or their infrastructure constituted a “declaration of war” against the state.
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