Kenya’s Saba Saba Protests Turn Deadly as Casualties Mount
The death toll from Kenya’s Saba Saba protests climbed to 31 people on Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest civil unrest incidents in recent memory. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released updated casualty figures showing the scale of violence during the demonstrations.
Beyond the fatalities, 107 people sustained injuries during the protests, according to the human rights commission. Two individuals remain missing, while authorities arrested 532 protesters amid the chaos that swept across the country.
The KNCHR documented widespread property destruction of unknown value during the unrest. The commission has not yet released detailed assessments of damaged buildings, vehicles, or infrastructure affected by the protests.
“The KNCHR strongly condemns all Human Rights violations,” the commission stated, though the full statement was not immediately available. The organization typically monitors civil liberties during public demonstrations and investigates alleged abuses by security forces.
The Saba Saba protests, named after the July 7th date traditionally associated with political demonstrations in Kenya, represent a significant escalation in civil unrest. The demonstrations have drawn attention to ongoing political tensions in the East African nation.
Authorities have not released information about the specific causes of death or the circumstances surrounding the missing persons. The investigation into the protests continues as officials work to restore order and assess the full extent of the damage.