A joint statement by the Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group has blamed the government for deploying heavily armed, masked officers in clear violation of the Constitution and existing court orders during Monday’s Saba Saba protests, which left several people dead and many others injured.

The rights organisations said the officers, who moved around in unmarked vehicles while concealing their identities with hoods, were unlawfully used to suppress peaceful protests across several counties.

They accused the government of disregarding its legal duty to protect the right to protest as outlined in Article 37 of the Constitution, as well as the National Police Service Act and the Public Order Act.

“It is particularly worrying that these squads and their Subarus were seen in areas like Ngong Town, Kajiado, where the death toll was highest three,” the statement read.

The groups criticised the use of excessive force, including military-grade weapons and the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces in Kayole and Naivasha. They said water cannons were also used aggressively in Kitengela and Kikuyu, creating fear and panic among protesters and residents.

“The use of lethal and less-lethal force was observed throughout several affected counties,” they added.

They also said that while protesters and ordinary citizens were under attack, law enforcement officers failed to act against gangs that targeted civilians and businesses. According to the groups, emergency response was disrupted, especially in high-density areas in Nairobi, making it difficult for the injured to get help.

“Tragically, once again, nine families will be receiving the news of the deaths of their loved ones, and others will be receiving others with injuries.”

They further accused the Interior and Public Service Cabinet Secretaries of making empty promises after previously stating that peaceful protests would be protected and that civil servants would face action if they stayed away from work.

“Today’s actions contradicted earlier assurances by Interior and Public Service Cabinet Secretaries, who had pledged to facilitate protests and warned civil servants against absenteeism,” the statement read.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights confirmed that at least 10 people were shot dead during the demonstrations.

The protests were held in 20 counties including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kiambu, Kajiado, Embu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kisii, Kirinyaga, Uasin Gishu, Meru, Vihiga, Narok, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Kakamega, Makueni and Busia. The nationwide demonstrations marked the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba Day — a day that honours the historic 1990 push for political pluralism and civil liberties.

Monday’s protests were marked by roadblocks, shuttered businesses, and stranded travellers, especially on key roads into Nairobi from towns like Mombasa.