Murang’a County government will cover all medical and mortuary expenses for victims of the Saba Saba protests, Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced.

The decision follows nationwide demonstrations on July 7, 2025, marking the 35th anniversary of the Sabasaba pro-democracy movement. At least eleven people were reported dead across the country, with dozens injured during clashes between protesters and police.

Governor Kang’ata, speaking during a press briefing on July 10, 2025, said the county is stepping in to ease the financial burden on affected families.

“We will waive the bill both for the medical and for one person who has lost his life,” he said. “We do not want families to suffer a double tragedy, so we are offering free service in our public facilities.”

The waiver will apply to all individuals injured in the protests and treated in county hospitals, as well as mortuary charges for those who died. Eleven people were injured in Murang’a, and all are said to be in stable condition.

The Saba Saba anniversary protests turned violent in several counties, with reports of police firing live ammunition and tear gas at demonstrators. In response to the growing concerns over state handling of such unrest, the Murang’a county government’s move has been seen as a rare and timely gesture of support for victims.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed a grim toll from the 2025 Saba Saba protests, stating that 31 people were killed, 107 injured, and 532 arrested across the country.

Two cases of enforced disappearances were also documented, along with widespread destruction of property whose value remains undetermined.

While healthcare access for protest victims has often sparked debate in Kenya, Kang’ata’s announcement is seen by some as a shift toward more compassionate crisis management at the county level. Local leaders are increasingly being called upon to step in where national support may be lacking.

Beyond financial relief, the waiver also sends a symbolic message of solidarity with citizens exercising their democratic rights. The move could potentially influence how other counties respond to similar crises in the future.

As public discourse continues around protest responses and accountability, Murang’a’s action highlights the role of devolved governments in addressing urgent community needs during periods of unrest.

Whether this will set a precedent remains to be seen, but for now, the county’s support offers a measure of comfort to families navigating loss, injury, and uncertainty in the wake of the protests.