Over 140 killed since 2023 over protests, Kinoti killer squad revived

Since 2023, at least 140 Kenyans have been killed during protests—many while exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

The latest bloodshed came during Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations, when 15 people were confirmed dead, including 12-year-old Bridget Njoki, who was shot inside her home in Ndumberi, Kiambu county, as she watched television.

Civil society organisations, including International Justice Mission (IJM), Missing Voices and Amnesty International Kenya, have condemned the killings, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a betrayal of the constitution.

“These acts represent a serious betrayal of the National Police Service’s constitutional mandate and a direct assault on the rights and dignity of Kenyans,” IJM said in a statement on Monday. The scale of violence has triggered widespread outrage.

According to the groups, 45 people were killed during the 2023 anti-government maandamano protests, 60 died in the 2024 Gen Z protests, 20 more were shot during a June 25 memorial protest. Fifteen people lost their lives during this year’s Saba Saba protests, held just two days ago.

This year's protests, intended to commemorate Kenya’s historic Saba Saba pro-democracy movement, turned deadly across Nairobi and its surrounding towns—Kitengela, Ngong, Kiserian, Roysambu, Githurai and Kahawa West.

Demonstrators clashed with police. Roadblocks were erected. Businesses looted. Cars torched. The violence, once again, spiraled out of control.

A Special Tactical Unit, moving in unmarked Subaru vehicles, was deployed across affected towns. Dressed in balaclavas and appearing militarised, they swiftly dismantled barricades and dispersed crowds. But they also left in their wake a trail of blood, injuries and fear.

“This was necessary because the mob had plans for more destruction and robbery,” said a senior official aware of the operations.

According to police reports, 567 people were arrested, including an MP. At least 114 civilians were injured, while 52 police officers sustained wounds.

In total, 208 vehicles—police, government and civilian—were damaged.

Businesses, supermarkets, stalls and public infrastructure were looted or destroyed, particularly in Kiambu, Murang’a, Meru and Kirinyaga counties.

In Ngurubani, Kirinyaga county, businessman Charles Njirui Mkombozi said he lost Sh50 million after looters attacked his digital shopping mall.

In Meru county, Magunas Supermarket was reduced to ashes. Quickmart Roysambu, County Supermarket Kabati, and many other outlets were ransacked.

The matatu sector was equally hard-hit. Vehicles were stoned or torched.

According to Wilfred Bosire, Secretary General of Mass Mobility Operators, the sector lost between Sh800 million and Sh1 billion as PSVs withdrew from roads.

“We didn’t expect roadblocks. We had been assured Saba Saba would just be a working day,” Bosire said.

Meanwhile, politicians traded blame. A group of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua allies claimed the government sponsored goons to infiltrate opposition strongholds and unleash destruction.

“This points to a clear plan of economic sabotage and purge on the people,” said MP Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North).

Opposition lawmakers are now calling for international intervention, arguing the state is using force and sabotage to cripple dissent.

President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, however, defended the crackdown, urging Kenyans to seek dialogue over destruction.

“We must learn to solve our national problems through consultations, discussions and peaceful ways,” Kindiki said in Lamu.

Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui said the protests have devastated livelihoods. “We cannot sacrifice our businesses and terminate jobs to protest the cost of living – doing so only worsens the problem.”

As the dust settles, Kenya Private Sector Alliance is tallying the losses. CEO Carole Kariuki confirmed a full report will be issued soon.

Yet amid the political noise and economic pain, one image stands out—a child shot dead in her own home.

Njoki’s life was cut short not by disease or accident, but by a bullet meant to silence protest.

As Kenyans bury their dead and count their losses, civil society and human rights defenders say the time for accountability is now.

“We are witnessing the slow collapse of our democracy,” said IJM’s Joseph Ndungu. “If we allow this impunity to continue, we will have failed a generation.”