The deadly Monday 7 protests spilled to Tuesday, as The United Nations Human Rights Commission called for quick and thorough investigations into the killing of 11 Kenyans during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations; a day synonymous with the struggle for multi-party democracy in Kenya, despite kenya human rights commission documenting at least 19 deaths, over 500 arrested and an alarming number of injuries
Following Monday,s saba saba spill over; a day synonymous with the struggle for multi-party democracy in Kenya, On Tuesday, Transport was paralyzed along the Embu–Nairobi highway as angry locals demanded the immediate release of Manyatta lawmaker Gitonga Mukunji, who was on Tuesday arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts in Kiambu, on allegations of inciting violence and sponsoring unrest during the Saba Saba protests in the town, bringing the total terror suspects tally to 3 so far, all from immediate former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP camp.
This is after DCP National Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga and DCP Youth Coordinator-Kiambu County, Peter Kawanjiru, were arraigned on Tuesday at Kahawa Law Courts, represented by a battalion of lawyers from the opposition led by Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka and Advocate Ndegwa Njiru, after being rearrested at Ruiru Law Courts by the anti-terror police unit ATPU soon after the judge had released them on bond following the June 25th Gen Z protests.
Monday’s Saba saba protests unrest saw Bridget Wainaina, an 8-year-old girl and a Class 7 pupil, succumb to a Police stray bullet wound after being struck inside their home in Ndumberi, Kiriguini, Kiambu County when the bullet penetrated her, a move that agitated residents to continue with the protests for the better part of Tuesday.
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has called for swift and comprehensive investigations into the killing of 11 Kenyans during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations on July 7, according to police records.
In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the killings as “deeply troubling,” especially coming less than two weeks after at least 11 other protesters were killed during the June 25 demonstrations, also as per the police report, though human rights commission numbers were even higher.
Türk raised alarm over the use of lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against peaceful demonstrators in Nairobi and 20 other regions nationwide, emphasising the need for accountability and restraint in the handling of protests.
The National Police Service (NPS) through its Spokesperson, Muchiri Nyaga, released a statement confirming the fatalities and over 567 arrests, while also reporting that 52 police officers and 11 civilians were injured during the demonstrations in the 20 counties, including Nairobi, Kajiado, Nyeri, Mombasa, Kisii, Embu, Kisumu, Kiambu, Meru, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Vihiga, Narok, Kirinyaga, Uasin Gishu, Tharaka Nithi, Makueni, Laikipia and Kakamega, marked by a heavy police presence, clashes between officers, demonstrators and goons.
sentiment echoed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who defended the increased police security measures, including the closure of major roads into Nairobi’s Central Business District, as essential for safeguarding citizens and protecting property.
While he acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the public, he praised the efforts of law enforcement, noting that their actions significantly reduced instances of violence, looting, and property damage during the Saba Saba protests compared to the earlier demonstrations on June 25.
