The National Police Service (NPS) released a detailed statement on Monday evening, revealing the extent of casualties and destruction witnessed during the Saba Saba protests held on July 7, 2025.
According to the NPS, 11 people lost their lives, 52 police officers sustained injuries, and 11 civilians were also reported injured during the nationwide demonstrations.
In the press statement signed by NPS spokesperson and Director of Corporate Communication, Muchiri Nyaga, authorities confirmed the arrest of 567 individuals in connection with what was described as “multiple criminal acts.” These acts included “attacks on law enforcement officers and looting.”
The police commended most Kenyans for being peaceful, stating that they “commended the majority of Kenyans for being law-abiding and heeding the call to maintain law and order.” However, they noted that “certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness.”
Preliminary reports outlined a worrying scale of destruction: 12 police vehicles and 3 government vehicles were damaged, while 4 civilian vehicles were also affected. Among those arrested was Gitonga Mukunji, Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency.
“The NPS also commended its officers for demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocation by criminals who infiltrated the protests,” the statement read.
The agency urged members of the public to come forward with information on those responsible for the violence.
“We encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in criminal activities who are still at large to come forward,” they said, urging citizens to contact them via their toll-free numbers or the #FichuakwaDCI hotline.
Despite the violence, the NPS maintained that it “remains steadfast and resolute in serving and protecting all Kenyans, residents, visitors, and their property.”
Investigations into all reported incidents are ongoing. The police assured the public that they would be “thoroughly and expeditiously investigated to bring those responsible to justice.”
The statement came amid national tension and public scrutiny over the police’s handling of protest-related unrest, which has in the past drawn criticism from human rights groups.
by Esther njoroge
