The number of Kenyans killed in protests over the past year has now reached 115, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
These deaths have happened during demonstrations that started in mid-2024, especially those sparked by the finance bill protests. The commission says the most deadly protest so far happened on Monday during the Saba Saba anniversary, where 32 people were killed in a single day.
This was the highest death toll recorded in one day since the protests began.In the small town of Kutus, Kirinyaga, a family is mourning the loss of 24-year-old Edwin Ndamberi.
His body is now lying in a morgue, just two days after he was allegedly shot by a police officer. Edwin had joined others near the Co-operative Bank junction when police started firing teargas.
While many ran for safety, Edwin remained still, and that’s when his cousin says he saw a female officer aim and shoot.
The bullet struck Edwin in the head. Despite efforts to get him to hospital, Edwin could not be saved.His story is just one among many that reveal the heavy price Kenyans are paying when they step out to demand justice and accountability.
Edwin was among the 32 people killed on July 7, during the Saba Saba commemorations. That day has now gone down as the deadliest day of protest since June 2024.
Many of those killed were young, unarmed, and simply exercising their right to protest.The wave of protests had initially picked up after the shocking death of teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
His death sparked widespread anger, and thousands of young people filled the streets in protest. It was during one of these demonstrations that Boniface Kariuki, a mask seller, was chased down by a police officer and shot.
Boniface later died from his injuries. During the most recent Saba Saba anniversary, security officers were once again accused of using unnecessary force.
Despite the protests being largely peaceful in several areas, videos and witness reports showed police firing live bullets and tear gas at crowds. One of those killed was 17-year-old Ian Opango, who is now being mourned by a shocked family and community.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights says that between June 2024 and February 2025, 62 people were killed during protests. Another 21 died during protests on June 25, 2025, and 32 more were killed on Monday during the Saba Saba demonstrations.
Autopsies reveal that most of the victims died from gunshot wounds or injuries caused by blunt objects, suggesting a disturbing pattern of excessive force.In addition to the deaths, more than one thousand Kenyans have been injured.
Some of the victims are still dealing with long-term injuries from confrontations with police, going back as far as last year.
These numbers paint a painful picture of how state violence has continued to rise, with very little accountability.
