Karua lashes out at government over killings and destruction during Saba Saba protests
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has come out strongly against the government, accusing it of orchestrating violence during the Saba Saba protests held on Monday, July 7, 2025.
In a scathing televised interview on Tuesday, July 8, Karua expressed deep frustration and anger over what she described as a disturbing pattern of brutality, particularly targeting peaceful protesters.
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“It’s shock, frustration, and anger to see the continued trend of killing innocent peaceful protesters, and destroying businesses,” Karua said.
She noted with concern that businesses in various towns, especially in Meru and Kirinyaga, were vandalised not by protestors, but by individuals suspected to have been deployed to cause chaos and discredit the movement.
“It’s apparent that it is state-sponsored goons who are destroying the businesses. The reports we are getting from Meru, Kirinyaga, are that the people who destroyed the businesses appear to have been dropped there,” she asserted.
The seasoned politician went further, accusing the police of using excessive force and disrespecting the dead.
“I saw a body being dragged by police. You don’t just kill people, you disrespect the dead. This rogue regime continues to butcher Kenyans with impunity,” she said.
Death and destruction
Her remarks came just hours after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released an updated report detailing the devastating aftermath of the 2025 Saba Saba protests. According to the Commission, 31 people were killed, 107 were injured, and 532 were arrested across the country during the demonstrations.
Two people were also reported as victims of enforced disappearances, while widespread destruction of property was recorded, although the full extent of the losses is yet to be quantified.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, KNCHR said it was actively monitoring and documenting all incidents linked to the July 7 protests. The human rights body issued a strong condemnation of the violations witnessed during the demonstrations.
“We strongly condemn all human rights violations and urge accountability from all responsible parties, including the police, civilians, and all stakeholders,” the commission stated.
The Commission expressed its condolences to families that lost loved ones and wished a quick recovery to those who were injured.
KNCHR also raised the alarm over the brutal police response and a pattern of serious human rights violations in different parts of the country. The protests, which were held across multiple counties, were reportedly met with heavy force, and the commission warned that such violations must not go unpunished.
The agency further highlighted continued harassment of peaceful protestors, human rights defenders, and journalists, adding that these acts were being carried out in the full view of the state.
The Tuesday update followed a preliminary press briefing held by the Commission on the day of the protests, in which they had initially reported 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests across 17 counties.
At that time, the Commission had also flagged multiple disruptions to daily life, including shutdowns of businesses and schools, looting in at least six counties, and the torching of the Kerugoya Central CDF office. Healthcare services were also disrupted, with patients unable to access hospitals due to blocked roads. Public transport, including rail and air services, was brought to a halt.
KNCHR also criticised the National Police Service for flouting a High Court order that required officers to wear uniforms and have visible identification during public demonstrations. In some regions, the Commission received reports that criminal gangs were operating alongside police officers.
The Commission has called for urgent and thorough investigations, reiterating that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to peaceful assembly as outlined in Article 37 of the Constitution.
