NCIC condemns use of excessive force by police during Saba Saba protests
By Nancy Marende, July 8, 2025The National Integration and Cohesion Commission (NCIC) has condemned the use of force by some police officers during the Saba Saba commemoration protests that led to the loss of 11 people.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Nairobi, NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia lauded some police officers who handled the protestors with restraint.
“We condemn the use of excessive force by some members of our security services. We say some because some police officers are not trigger-happy or bent on beating up people during demonstrations,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Commission has urged the government to uphold the rights to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly.
“All actors, whether state or non-state, must uphold the right to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly. Gen Z showed clearly that they were very peaceful. It is only when infiltrators came in that it started going wrong,” the chairperson said.
Additionally, he has called upon all leaders in the country to refrain from exploiting the frustrations of young people for political gain.
“We urge all leaders, political, religious, and civil, including community-based leaders, including the council of elders, not to incite or exploit the frustrations of young people for their political gains,” he added.
In a statement on Monday, July 7, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said that 52 officers and 11 civilians were injured as 567 arrests were made across the country.
He also revealed that 12 police vehicles, three government vehicles, and four civilian vehicles were damaged.
While commending the law-abiding Kenyans who heeded calls to maintain law and order, NPS stated that a few groups “remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts, including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting”.
The protests
The protests marked the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s pro-democracy Saba Saba movement, bringing normalcy to a near halt in some parts of the country.
Major roads and access points, particularly in Nairobi, were blocked by police barricades, limiting movement and access to critical services.
Businesses across multiple counties remained closed due to the fear of looting, with at least six counties reporting confirmed looting incidents.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said individuals responsible for Monday’s disruptions would be investigated and prosecuted, as has been done for those involved in earlier violent protests.
By 6:30 p.m., the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) had also documented 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests in 17 counties.