Govt has nothing to hide on protest fatalities – Murkomen
By Aloys Michael, July 16, 2025Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the government’s transparency regarding the number of fatalities during the anti-government protests held on June 25 and July 7, 2025.
Speaking in Turkana on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Murkomen addressed growing scrutiny over the government’s response, reiterating that the official death toll of 42 is based on verified data from the National Police Service (NPS).
“The figures I shared are based on verified police records,” he said. “If the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a national body, reports a higher figure, we do not dispute it. But our numbers come directly from law enforcement officers who conducted physical analyses.”
According to the NPS, 17 people died during the June 25 protests, and 25 fatalities were recorded during the Saba Saba demonstrations on July 7, 2025. The protests, sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with government policies, saw violent clashes between demonstrators and police across several Counties.
However, human rights organisations have raised concerns that the official figures may underrepresent the true scale of the fatalities. Several advocacy groups have reported a total of 61 deaths, citing eyewitness accounts, medical records, and on-the-ground investigations.
In response, Murkomen signalled the government’s willingness to engage in a collaborative review of the data.
“There is no gain in hiding numbers. We are ready to tally the figures together for the sake of transparency and accountability,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also underscored the value of human life and the government’s commitment to justice.
“Every life lost is deeply regrettable. We take the matter seriously and are committed to proper investigations.”
Murkomen defence
Murkomen made particular reference to the widely publicised case of 12-year-old Bridget Njoki Wainaina, whose death has sparked national outrage. Bridget was fatally shot by a stray bullet while watching television with her parents in their home in Ndumberi village, Kiambu County—more than two kilometres from the protest scene.
According to eyewitnesses and the family, the bullet was fired during a confrontation between police and protesters outside. It pierced the wall of their home, striking Bridget. Despite being rushed to St. Bridget’s Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.
Murkomen acknowledged the incident with visible emotion, calling it very painful and promising accountability.
“Nobody has the intention to conceal any deaths. The death of Bridget is a painful reminder of the cost of conflict, and we owe her family and all affected Kenyans the truth.”
The government, he added, is committed to ensuring that all cases, especially those involving innocent lives, are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held to account.