Government: 42 Killed, ~1,500 Arrested in June 25 & July 7 Protests

Nairobi, Kenya – July 15:

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that 42 people died and nearly 1,500 suspects were arrested across the country following violent protests on June 25 and July 7 (Saba Saba Day). Murkomen described the events as “pure, premeditated criminality,” asserting they were orchestrated campaigns to destabilize public order, not genuine dissent  .

Key Figures & Security Impact

• Injuries totaled nearly 600, including 496 police officers  .

• Sixteen police stations or posts were destroyed by arson. Incidents included torching of Dagoretti and Olkalou stations, and 26 vehicles and county motorbikes destroyed  .

• Looting and violent damage targeted supermarkets and strategic infrastructure. Dozens arrested in Naivasha, Meru, Ruiru, Eldoret, Nyeri, and other areas  .

• One police officer has been arraigned on murder charges, and investigations continue into officers accused of misconduct or excessive force  .

Contrasts with Human Rights Body Findings

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 38 deaths from the July 7 protests alone, with over 130 injured. Their earlier toll from June 25 reached 19 deaths, 531 injuries, and 15 enforced disappearances, plus allegations of sexual violence  .

Government Response & Next Steps

• Murkomen announced new police use-of-force guidelines, to be published in the Kenya Gazette, aiming to reduce future casualties while preserving order  .

• Authorities pledged relief for affected communities and promised legal scrutiny of any police wrongdoing, with accountability measures for officers found culpable  .

🔍 What This Means for Kenyans

The discrepancy between government and KNCHR casualty figures highlights the ongoing tension in Kenya between state and civil society narratives. Murkomen’s statement frames the unrest as criminal sabotage, while rights groups call for justice, transparency, and dialogue. The newly drafted force guidelines signal a cautious step toward police reform, but doubts remain about enforcement.

Going forward, expedited postmortems, transparent investigations, and support for victims’ families will be critical to restoring trust. Broader public engagement, especially with youth voices, may be essential to address the underlying political and economic frustrations fueling unrest.