The death toll from Kenya’s "Saba Saba" protests has risen to 31, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirming 107 injuries, 532 arrests, and two abductions linked to the nationwide demonstrations.

The protests, which broke out on July 7, were largely driven by Gen Z youth and coincided with the 35th anniversary of the original Saba Saba pro-democracy movement.

KNCHR, a state-funded rights watchdog, condemned the excessive use of force by police and called for justice.

“The KNCHR strongly condemns all Human Rights violations and urge accountability from all responsible parties – including police, civilians and all other stakeholders,” the commission said in a statement. It pledged continued monitoring and support for victims.

A joint statement from the Law Society of Kenya and Police Reforms Working Group - Kenya coalition members, published by international human rights organisation Amnesty International said: "Heavily armed police with military grade weapons were deployed in violation of court orders, using masks and unmarked vehicles to conceal their identities. It is particularly worrying that these squads and their subarus were seen in areas like Ngong Town, Kajiado, where the death toll was highest ... The use of lethal and less-lethal force was observed throughout several affected counties." 

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm over the reported killings and detentions.

“We are deeply troubled by reports of police violence against unarmed protesters in Kenya, including the use of lethal force,” said a spokesperson in Geneva. “The right to peaceful protest must be protected, and those responsible for unlawful killings and injuries must be held to account.”

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has promised a review of the security response, stating that police acted to prevent destruction of property and maintain order.

The latest unrest reflects a broader erosion of public confidence in Kenya’s institutions, fuelled by economic pressures and youth frustration with governance. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment exceeds 13%, while inflation has averaged 6.8% in the first half of 2025. The timing of the protests — on the anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba rallies — underscored public demand for accountability and reform, drawing international scrutiny to Kenya’s democratic progress and human rights record.

Civil society groups and religious leaders have joined KNCHR in calling for a transparent, independent investigation. KNCHR — established by an act of Parliament in 2002 — reiterated its commitment to upholding civil liberties and pushing for institutional reforms.

As bne IntelliNews reported, at least 16 people were also killed during youth-led protests on June 25, most by police gunfire, according to Amnesty International Kenya and KNCHR.