The family of James Nayo, a 37-year-old fisherman who died during the Saba Saba protests in Naivasha, is demanding accountability after a postmortem revealed he was shot from the back.

The autopsy results confirmed that the bullet pierced through his back and exited through the abdomen, causing severe internal damage and bleeding that led to his death.

The postmortem, carried out at the Naivasha Sub-County Hospital mortuary, was led by government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu. He confirmed that Nayo died from the injuries while undergoing treatment on July 7.

“There was a gunshot in the abdomen which injured the transverse colon and caused internal bleeding,” said Dr Ngulungu.

Nayo’s family is still grappling with the loss, which they say has been made more painful by the silence and inaction from authorities.

"We are going through pain... this is our elder brother. Our mother is so weak,” said Gordon Nayo, the deceased’s brother.
“If it wasn’t for the police brutal killings, he could still be alive,” added Judy Nayo, his sister, while appealing for help to give their brother a proper burial.

The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) condemned the killing and criticised the state for what it termed as approval of force against demonstrators.

"We are condemning this. The president and leaders saying people should be shot whether they are at the police station or wherever they are is unacceptable,” said Bernard Kuria, a representative from IMLU.

James Nayo is among dozens who lost their lives during the July 7 anti-government protests. Data released by Haki Africa on July 15 showed that at least 43 people were killed during the demonstrations, which took place across several counties.

Nairobi recorded the highest number of deaths, with 10 people reported dead. The cases were spread across Riruta, Kahawa West, Kangemi, Donholm, Githurai, Embakasi, and Buruburu.

Among those identified were Elvis Musavi, Paul Makori, Peter Gachanja, and Joseph Wangai. Several others remain unidentified, with their bodies taken to the City Mortuary and nearby health centres.

Kiambu County followed closely with nine deaths. The victims included children, university students, and some still unnamed individuals. Among them was Bridgit Njoki Wainaina, a 12-year-old Class Seven pupil from Ndumberi.

Also listed were Ian Mungai, a law student at Mount Kenya University, and Dennis Mutuma Mwangi, whose name appeared twice, possibly due to duplication or pending verification.

Other named victims in Kiambu were Laban Mwangi Kagunda, Ephantus Kamau, and four unidentified people whose bodies were taken to hospitals and mortuaries in Thika, Juja, and Kiambu towns.

In Kajiado County, six deaths were reported. The victims were Brian Kimutai Bitok (21), Issa Paul Mburu (26), Moses Tobiko (19), Jeremiah Oscar (24), Joseph Kagiri (24), and one unidentified person. Most incidents occurred in Ngong and Kiserian.

Murang’a recorded five deaths, including Daniel Kabiru Mwangi, Evans Ndandu Muthoni, Julius Muli, Peter Macharia, and one unnamed person taken to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital.

In Meru, three people died in Maua — Mwangi, Felix Macharia, and one unidentified person. Nakuru recorded two deaths at Naivasha Sub-county Hospital.

Kirinyaga reported the deaths of Peter Macharia (21) and Edward Ndambiri (25), while Nyeri, Laikipia, Embu, and Nyandarua counties each recorded one or two deaths.

In Laikipia, 17-year-old James Gachara Wambugu and Julia Kariuki were among those killed in Nanyuki. Nyandarua reported the death of an unidentified person taken to JM Hospital in Ol Kalou.

The killings have triggered widespread condemnation from civil society organisations and rights groups, who continue to demand accountability.

In a joint statement, the Police Reforms Working Group, Kenya supported Haki Africa’s findings and called for investigations, prosecutions, and the formation of a special commission to review police behaviour during protests.

“The continued killing of protestors is not just a violation of the right to life, but a direct attack on the constitutional freedom of assembly and expression,” the group stated.

The Saba Saba protests were held on the 35th anniversary of the movement that pushed for multiparty democracy in Kenya. Thousands took to the streets to speak out against corruption, economic challenges, and poor governance.

Rights groups have warned that the rising number of protest-related deaths shows a worrying pattern of deadly force being used against demonstrators.