The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised alarm over the growing number of deaths linked to the Saba Saba Day protests, confirming that 38 people have died while over 130 others are recovering from injuries sustained during the demonstrations.

According to a statement issued on Friday evening, the Commission said most of those killed were young people, including two children and a 12-year-old girl who was shot while watching television at home in Kiambu.

Of the 15 postmortems done so far, 14 showed the cause of death was gunshot injuries.

The Commission has been working with families of the deceased to conduct autopsies in coordination with the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), and civil society groups.

The deaths were recorded in multiple counties: Kiambu (8), Nairobi (6), Kajiado (6), Nakuru (4), Kirinyaga (3), Murang’a (3), Embu (2), Meru (2), Laikipia (2), Nyandarua (1), and Nyamira (1).

KNCHR said four of the deceased were women, and most of the victims identified so far were aged below 25.

In the statement, KNCHR called on the Ministry of Health to urgently waive all medical and mortuary charges for those affected, noting that many families cannot afford the costs, despite the government’s earlier promise to do so.

“The families claim they are also being charged postmortem fees in addition to other medical and mortuary bills contrary to the waiver issued by the Government. A majority of these families are underprivileged and unable to pay the bills,” read the statement.

The Commission also urged the government to support affected families by ensuring that all postmortems are done swiftly and transparently, in the presence of independent observers, IPOA, and legal representatives of the families.

KNCHR assured the public that it would continue to monitor the situation closely and fulfil its mandate of protecting and promoting human rights. It also asked Kenyans to report any abuse or violations through the official channels.

The protests, which began as demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024, have spread across the country, with many led by young people frustrated by the high cost of living and limited public accountability. Some of the protests turned violent, prompting a heavy police response.

During a public event in Nairobi this week, President William Ruto defended the actions of the police, instructing them to avoid fatal shootings but to injure protesters who destroy property.

“Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs,” Ruto said.

The President added that attacks on police and government offices would be treated as terrorism. “Those who attack our police, security installations, including police stations, are declaring war. It is terrorism, and we are going to deal with you firmly,” he warned.

He also said political figures behind the chaos would be pursued: “It is leaders financing youth to carry out those acts, and we are coming after you!”

As the number of victims continues to rise, KNCHR’s findings add to growing pressure on the government to rein in police excesses and offer relief to grieving families.