Tragedy has marred the ongoing Saba Saba protests in Kenya 2025, with at least four people confirmed dead in Kangemi and Ngong. A paramedic based in Kangemi revealed that the two deceased individuals in the area were already declared dead upon arrival at a local medical center, amid growing reports of escalating violence and restricted emergency access due to police barricades.
The Saba Saba Day protests, which began early Monday, July 7, have seen mounting tension between protesters and law enforcement across Nairobi, Kajiado, and other parts of the country, prompting national and international concern over the handling of civil unrest and access to emergency care.
Kangemi Deaths: Stray Bullet Hits Man Heading Home
According to a Kangemi paramedic interviewed by KTN News, ambulances have been struggling to reach the wounded due to numerous barricades erected by security forces along major and feeder roads. The paramedic also confirmed that both individuals found in Kangemi had succumbed to gunshot wounds before help could reach them.
Shockingly, one of the victims was reportedly not a protester, but a bystander heading home from work when he was hit by a stray bullet. Residents in the area have raised alarms over what they describe as indiscriminate use of live ammunition by police officers trying to disperse crowds.
Ngong Shooting: Two Dead, Several Injured as Ambulances Fail to Arrive
In Ngong, located in Kajiado County, the situation has been equally dire. Residents report that two people have died, and several others sustained gunshot injuries, yet no ambulances have managed to reach the victims. Eyewitnesses claim that multiple calls to emergency services went unanswered due to blocked roads and police checkpoints.
Residents also reported live bullets landing in their homes and compounds, raising fears for families sheltering indoors.
“We are scared even inside our own homes. The bullets are everywhere. No one is safe,” said a Ngong resident, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal.
Live Bullets and Armed Police in Residential Areas
Disturbing footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke shows police officers patrolling residential estates in Ngong armed with live ammunition. In one clip, officers can be seen firing shots in densely populated neighborhoods, raising questions about crowd control protocols and the risk posed to innocent bystanders.
Such scenes have sparked condemnation on social media and by human rights groups, with many questioning why live bullets are being used in civilian zones.
More Violence Reported in Ongata Rongai
In Ongata Rongai, a commuter town on the outskirts of Nairobi, at least one more person has been shot, although his current condition remains unknown as of this report. The ongoing violence in Kajiado County underscores the severity of the clashes and the government’s apparent failure to de-escalate the situation.
As the protests continue, emergency medical responders report being unable to enter volatile areas, leaving the injured unattended and pushing the death toll higher.
Ambulances Blocked from Reaching Victims Amid Road Barricades
Earlier in the day, outrage erupted online after a video went viral showing police officers blocking an ambulance from accessing the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) at a roadblock. The video captured medics pleading with officers to let them through, to no avail.
This incident drew sharp criticism from civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and medical associations, many of whom argued that such actions are unconstitutional and endanger lives.
National Gender and Equality Commission Condemns Police Actions
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) issued a strongly worded statement condemning the blocking of emergency services and the use of excessive force during the protests. They reminded security agencies of their obligation to protect vulnerable groups under Kenya’s Constitution.
“We call upon security agencies to uphold dignity, humanity & constitutional rights. Ensure free passage for doctors, ambulances, pregnant women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), older persons, and anyone seeking medical attention,” the Commission stated.
They specifically cited Sections 43 and 54 of the Constitution, which guarantee every Kenyan’s right to health and protection for vulnerable groups, urging the police to avoid trampling on rights in the name of public order.
Constitutional Crisis? Public Outcry Over State Conduct
Kenyans across the country have expressed growing frustration and anger at the government’s handling of the protests, especially the alleged police brutality and suppression of constitutional freedoms. On social media, hashtags such as #SabaSabaMassacre, #LetAmbulancesPass, and #JusticeForKangemi trended throughout the day.
“How can the government claim it’s protecting lives when ambulances are being stopped and innocent people are being shot at home?” asked activist Boniface Mwangi via X.
Many now believe the State has crossed a red line by denying access to emergency healthcare, a fundamental right protected under Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Civil Society and Legal Bodies Call for Accountability
A coalition of NGOs including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Amnesty International Kenya, and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has demanded that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launch immediate investigations into the deaths and shooting incidents.
They are also calling for:
- Immediate lifting of all road barricades restricting medical access
- A moratorium on the use of live bullets during crowd control
- Compensation for families of innocent victims
- Arrest and prosecution of officers involved in unlawful killings
What Next for Saba Saba Protests?
As the day wears on, tensions remain high across Nairobi, Kajiado, Kisumu, and Mombasa. The death toll may rise, as more casualties are reported and emergency response teams continue to struggle with access.
Whether the government will respond to these incidents with accountability or defensiveness remains to be seen. However, the events of July 7, 2025, have already deepened public distrust in law enforcement, and fueled calls for justice, reform, and human dignity.
Conclusion
The deaths in Kangemi and Ngong during the Saba Saba protests have cast a dark shadow over what began as a peaceful demonstration for accountability and reform. With ambulances blocked, live bullets used in residential neighborhoods, and civilians caught in the crossfire, the state’s response is now under intense scrutiny.
The failure to allow emergency responders access to critical areas, and the deaths of non-protesters, such as the Kangemi man heading home from work, raise troubling questions about the state of human rights in Kenya.
Unless swift and transparent action is taken, the events of this year’s Saba Saba may be remembered not for progress—but for avoidable deaths, brutality, and constitutional violations.