Alai praises police over conduct during Saba Saba protests
By Mustafa Juma, July 8, 2025Nairobi Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kileleshwa ward Robert Alai has lauded the National Police Service (NPS) for their conduct during the Saba Saba protests held on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Taking to his official X account on Monday, July 7, 2025, amid weeks of tension and accusations of police brutality, Alai expressed his satisfaction with how law enforcement officers handled the demonstrations, which saw thousands of Kenyans across the country—many of them Gen Z—take to the streets to commemorate Saba Saba Day.
“Police Service, SALUTE! Marvellous job today. You have shown that you have the potential to effectively police the whole country. IMPRESSIVE!” Alai stated.
NPS statement on protests
Despite Alai’s praises, NPS has confirmed that 11 people lost their lives in various parts of the country during the Saba Saba protests.
In a statement issued by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, NPS indicated that all 11 were civilians, while 11 others also sustained injuries.
According to the statement, 52 security officers were also injured while maintaining order during the Saba Saba Day commemoration.
Notably, police revealed that Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji was arrested. NPS did not immediately reveal why he was apprehended.
“Regrettably, preliminary reports indicate fatalities, injuries, damage to motor vehicles, and several incidents of looting as detailed below. Additionally, a number of suspects have been arrested, including Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency,” the NPS statement read in part.
KNHRC statement
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also confirmed that 10 individuals tragically lost their lives during the Saba Saba anniversary demonstrations.
Additionally, the Commission has documented 29 cases of injuries, 2 incidents of abduction, and 37 arrests directly linked to the protests.
In their official statement released on the same day, Monday, July 7, 2025, the Commission highlighted that extensive police barricades were strategically positioned on major highways and entry points, particularly in Nairobi, causing severe disruption to the movement of ordinary citizens.
“The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is closely monitoring the ongoing situation as the country commemorates the historic Saba Saba Day. As of 1830 hrs today, the Commission had documented ten (10) fatalities, twenty-nine (29) injuries, and two (2) cases of abductions,” the KNCHR statement read in part.