NAIROBI: The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported a significant increase in the death toll from the recent Saba Saba demonstrations, with 38 people now confirmed dead as of 6:00 PM on July 11.

In a report sent to media outlets, the KNCHR also stated that another 130 individuals are currently nursing injuries at home or in various health facilities across the country.

“The Commission observes that the death toll has now risen to 38 people as of 1800hrs on July 11,” a press release from the human rights body stated.

The statement further indicated, “At least 130 people are still nursing injuries at home and in various health facilities across the country.”

The KNCHR has been actively assisting affected families with post-mortem examinations, in collaboration with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

According to the commission’s data, Kiambu County leads with eight deaths, followed by Nairobi and Kajiado with six each, and Nakuru with four. Kirinyaga and Murang’a have each recorded three deaths, while Meru, Embu, and Laikipia have two deaths each. Nyandarua and Nyamira counties have reported one death each.

A majority of the fatalities are youths below 25 years old. Of the 38 deaths, four are female, and two are children.

So far, 15 post-mortems have been conducted in the presence of various stakeholders, including the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU). The reports indicate that 14 of these deaths resulted from gun wounds, including a 12-year-old girl who was tragically shot while watching TV in their house.

The human rights body is urging the government to waive all health bills accrued from medical services received by the victims of the demonstrations.