The National Police Service (NPS) has recorded 11 fatalities following the deadly Saba Saba protests that rocked the nation on Monday.
In a statement on Monday, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said that 52 officers and 11 civilians were injured as 567 arrests were made across the country.
Likewise, 12 police vehicles, 3 government vehicles and 4 civilian vehicles were damaged.
While commending the law-abiding Kenyans who heeded calls to maintain law and order, NPS stated that a few groups “remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts, including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting”.
The service added that all recorded incidents will be subjected to further interrogation.
NPS also commended its officers for “demonstrating exceptional restraint and professionalism” during the protests.
The protests marked the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s pro-democracy Saba Saba movement, bringing normalcy to a near halt in some parts of the country.
Major roads and access points, particularly in Nairobi, were blocked by police barricades, limiting movement and access to critical services.
Businesses across multiple counties remained closed due to fear of looting, with at least six counties reporting confirmed looting incidents.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen said individuals responsible for Monday’s disruptions would be investigated and prosecuted, as has been done for those involved in earlier violent protests.
He lauded the police, describing their performance as “commendable and necessary for public safety.”
By 6:30 p.m., the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) had also documented 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests in 17 counties.