Nairobi on high alert as police, protesters brace for Saba Saba showdown

Police are expected to mount a major security operation across Nairobi ahead of today’s Saba Saba demonstrations, with enhanced checkpoints to be mounted on key roads, even as organisers insist the protests will proceed after formally notifying authorities.

In a statement issued on yesterday, Monday, July 6, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said security officers would establish checkpoints on various roads across the capital to regulate the movement of people and vehicles in a bid to prevent a repeat of the violence and disruption witnessed during previous Saba Saba commemorations.

Saba Saba commemorates the landmark July 7, 1990 pro-democracy protests that challenged one-party rule and paved the way for the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in Kenya. Over the years, the anniversary has evolved into a platform for citizens to demand political reforms, constitutionalism, accountability and good governance.

As the country marks the 36th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba Day in 1990 in agitation for reforms, much has been achieved in opening up the democratic space despite the emerging challenges.

In Kenya, Saba Saba Day is remembered as the day on which nationwide protests took place after pro-reform leaders planned to hold a rally at Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi on July 7, 1990, to agitate for political reforms.

Kenyans took to the streets to demand multi-party democracy and free elections, with the politicians who had called for protests, former Cabinet Ministers Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, being arrested and held in detention a few days before the rally day.

“The National Police Service wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of past experience during the Saba Saba commemoration, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” the statement said.

The service said the enhanced security measures are aimed at maintaining public order.

“As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, July 7, 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement,” the NPS said, urging members of the public to cooperate with officers and warning that anyone engaging in unlawful acts would face “the full force of the law.”

Despite the warning, organisers have reaffirmed that the demonstrations will go ahead, saying they are intended to commemorate Kenya’s democratic struggle while pressing the government and Parliament to address governance concerns, alleged abductions and accountability for victims of last year’s protests.

Activist Elisha Ochieng said Kenyans from all walks of life would gather to mark the historic day.

“Tomorrow Kenyans from all walks of life will commemorate Saba Saba, a historic milestone in the struggle for democracy, constitutionalism and accountable governance,” he said.

Another organiser, Francis Owino, maintained that police had been formally notified of the planned procession in accordance with the law. However, police dispute that claim.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud warned that authorities had not approved any demonstrations.

“If you gather tomorrow anywhere, we will treat it as an unlawful assembly and we will deal with it,” Mohamud warned.

Separately, the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement also issued a formal two-page notification to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Officer Commanding Central Police Station, informing them of a planned procession expected to attract between 1,000 and 3,000 participants.

According to the notice, demonstrators will march from Jeevanjee Gardens to Parliament Buildings to present a petition demanding parliamentary intervention on alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and excessive use of force by security agencies.

The lobby group said volunteer marshals would be deployed to help manage the procession and ensure it remains peaceful.

The Social Justice Centre Working Group (SJCWG) has also mobilised Kenyans to participate in what it has dubbed the “#SabaSabaMarchForOurLives,” saying the demonstrations are meant to honour victims of alleged killings and enforced disappearances while demanding independent investigations.

“As the country prepares for the #SabaSabaMarchForOurLives mobilisation, we are reminded that behind every statistic is a human life; a son, a daughter, a parent, a friend, or a neighbour whose future was cut short or whose whereabouts remain unknown,” the group said.

“The campaign is not only a call for accountability but also a commitment to honour those who have lost their lives or disappeared under circumstances that demand transparent and independent investigation.”

The group added that families whose loved ones were allegedly abducted or killed deserve truth, justice and investigations conducted within the law, stressing that the right to life, liberty and a fair hearing must be protected.

The heightened security measures come against the backdrop of last year’s Saba Saba protests, during which businesses across Nairobi and several other towns shut down over fears of violence, looting and vandalism.

Commercial establishments in Nairobi’s Central Business District, Pipeline, Githurai and Mlolongo remained closed, while businesses along Thika Road suspended operations following security advisories.

Similar shutdowns were reported in Nyeri, Limuru and Nakuru. Authorities have since maintained heightened vigilance during major demonstrations.

Meanwhile, Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i has warned that Kenya risks descending into anarchy if the government fails to curb rising cases of politically motivated violence.

Speaking at ATG Deliverance Chapel in Kamulu, Nairobi County, on Sunday, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary said attacks by armed youth at political rallies, restaurants and on the streets were signs that the country was sliding into lawlessness ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“I understand the security sector like the back of my hand. I can tell from what we are seeing that we are losing the country to anarchy and sliding to chaos,” Matiang’i said.

“We have a stake, whether you are in government or the opposition, because when things go south, we will all suffer equally.”

He questioned why security agencies allegedly capable of tracking government critics could not prevent armed gangs from attacking citizens.

“If the government has resources to know that you are criticizing them and abduct you, where are those resources when someone is buying batons and pangas to go and kill citizens?” he posed.

“Those in government, you might feel nice that you are being guarded, but when the country slides into chaos, you will also be a victim of the chaos.”

Matiang’i was referring to Friday’s attack on the Linda Mwananchi faction’s convoy along the Kisii-Keroka Road, where suspected goons ambushed political leaders travelling to rallies in Keumbu and Keroka.

The convoy, which included United Green Movement Party presidential aspirant David Maraga, was pelted with stones by armed youths wielding clubs at Keumbu Market. One person was killed in the violence, while seven suspects have since been arrested.