Kenya: Joint Statement: Update on Saba Saba Anniversary Protests

NAIROBI, Monday, July 7, 2025: Saba Saba Day symbolises our nation’s enduring struggle for democracy, civil liberties and political reform. On 7 July 1990, Kenyans across six towns took to the streets to demand free elections and an end to the authoritarian practices of the one-party state. Police killed 20, arrested and charged 1,056 people.

Today, Kenyans took to the streets in twenty out of 47 counties. They include Nairobi, Kajiado, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kisii, Embu, Kisumu, Kiambu, Meru, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Vihiga, Narok, Kirinyaga, Uasin Gishu, Tharaka Nithi, Makueni, Laikipia, and Kakamega.

The Law Society of Kenya and Police Reforms Working Group expressed its regret receiving the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights’ preliminary report confirming at least nine deaths by gunshot wounds by 6:30 p.m. Due to the widespread nature of today’s protests, final figures on arrests and injuries will take time to verify and compile.

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