At least ten people were killed and dozens injured during the Saba Saba Day protests held across the country on Monday, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

In a statement issued Monday evening, the Commission painted a troubling picture of the day’s events, reporting widespread violence, police misconduct, and the presence of armed gangs in several towns.

By 6:30pm, the Commission had documented ten deaths, 29 injuries, and 37 arrests across 17 counties. Two cases of abduction were also recorded.

The protests, which marked the 35th anniversary of the original Saba Saba pro-democracy movement, saw major towns disrupted by roadblocks and clashes between police and demonstrators.

In Nairobi, heavy barricades made access to the Central Business District difficult, with similar blockades reported in Meru, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisii, Nyeri, and Embu.

The KNCHR said these restrictions paralysed transport and forced many businesses and schools to shut down. In Kerugoya, the Central CDF office was set ablaze by individuals suspected to have taken advantage of the chaos. Incidents of looting were also reported in six counties.

Despite a directive from Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku requiring government workers to report to duty, many were unable to reach their workplaces due to transport disruptions. The Commission said patients were stranded after being unable to access health facilities, while hundreds of travellers were left stuck due to disrupted air and rail services.

The KNCHR also raised alarm over police conduct, noting widespread disregard of a court order requiring officers on protest duty to wear identifiable uniforms. Instead, the Commission documented hooded officers in unmarked vehicles operating in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kajiado.

Disturbingly, the Commission said it witnessed armed gangs carrying crude weapons—including bows, arrows, machetes, and wooden clubs—operating alongside police in areas such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Eldoret, and Kajiado.

The KNCHR further condemned Sunday’s attack on the offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), describing it as a targeted assault by hired attackers. Staff and members of the public were reportedly beaten, while journalists covering the incident were harassed and robbed. The attackers were captured on CCTV, and the KNCHR has called for their immediate arrest and prosecution.

The Commission also raised concern over rising intimidation and persecution of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). In the last week alone, more than twenty HRDs were reportedly beaten, arrested, charged, or summoned by police in connection with the ongoing protests.

The KNCHR called on authorities to stop the harassment of civil society groups and end what it termed as the criminalisation of human rights work.

KNCHR Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting the rights of all persons in Kenya and urged the public to report violations through SMS, WhatsApp, email, or toll-free lines.