Man Shot by Police During Saba Saba Protests Dies in Kirinyaga

 

By Ruth Sang

A 24-year-old man who was shot during the Saba Saba protests in Kirinyaga County has died, further highlighting the mounting toll of Kenya’s ongoing civil unrest.

Edwin Ndamberi was reportedly standing near the Co-operative Bank junction in Kerugoya on July 7 when police moved in to disperse demonstrators marking the annual Saba Saba Day. Witnesses say Ndamberi was not actively participating in the protest when he was struck by a bullet to the head.

His cousin, who was present at the scene, alleges that a female police officer fired the fatal shot.

“Edwin hakumove. Kuna police mama mkubwa niliona alikuwa ame-aim, na ni yeye alishoot. Risasi ikampata Edwin kwa kichwa,” he told members of the press, describing a moment of chaos that turned deadly.

Ndamberi was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries two days later. His body is currently being held at the county mortuary as the family prepares for burial arrangements amid grief and growing public anger.

The fatal shooting occurred during the nationwide Saba Saba protests, which were organized to commemorate the 1990 pro-democracy movement and to voice growing frustrations over the escalating cost of living. What began as largely peaceful gatherings quickly devolved into scenes of violence in several counties, with law enforcement accused of using excessive force.

According to a statement released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 32 people were killed in protest-related incidents on July 7 alone, making it the deadliest single day of demonstrations in recent years. The Commission has documented 115 protest-related deaths since June 2024, with dozens more reported missing or nursing serious injuries.

“The scale of force used by law enforcement is deeply troubling and requires urgent accountability measures,” KNCHR said in part of their statement.

Edwin Ndamberi’s death has added fuel to growing demands for independent investigations and police reform. Rights groups and legal activists are urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch a full probe into the shooting and hold the officer responsible to account.

Back in Kirinyaga, Edwin’s family is left shattered, struggling to come to terms with the loss of a young man they describe as “gentle” and “full of promise.”

“We just want justice,” said another family member. “He was not a criminal. He didn’t deserve to die.”

As the nation reels from the rising casualties of protest violence, the calls for justice and accountability are growing louder. For the Ndamberi family and many others, closure can only come with answers—and action.