Kithure Kindiki- Only 25 demonstrators died and not 39

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has maintained that only 25 lives were lost during the nationwide anti-Finance Bill protests.

Speaking on Citizen TV, Kindiki said that 400 other people were injured, among them at least 43 police officers.

The CS said this is the number they have and they can account for each.

“I did present and briefed the Cabinet on what has transpired in our country during the last two weeks and part of that outcome is that we have lost 25 people as of now. Kenyans who died in very unfortunate circumstances. Nearly 400 people were injured including 43 police officers,” Kindiki said.

“I have heard of other figures but I also heard earlier on that there was a massacre in Githurai from other sources which turned out not to be true. I don’t want to cast aspersions at anybody but I want to tell the people of Kenya that we’ve lost 25 people.” 

His remarks were in response to various reports placing the reported deaths at over 39.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission on Thursday said it had confirmed the deaths of 41 people and over 360 injuries mostly attributed to police action.

KHRC said that 627 people had been arrested during the protests.

On July 1, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) placed the number of deaths at 39.

The Commission said 361 were injured during the countrywide anti-Finance Bill protests.

KNCHR said the deceased victims were from Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3) Laikipia (1), Narok (1),  Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4) Kakamega (1) Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1) and Nandi (1). 

Kindiki, however, said that any reported claims of police excesses during the revolt will be investigated and culpable officers held to account.