Kenya police ban Saba Saba anniversary march in Nairobi

Kenyan police have banned a planned march in Nairobi to mark the annual Saba Saba Day protest, as authorities deployed heavy security across the capital and warned against unlawful gatherings.

 

The demonstrations, traditionally held on July 7, commemorate the 1990 protests that demanded the restoration of multi-party democracy after years of one-party rule under former President Daniel arap Moi.

 

In recent years, the annual event has evolved into broader anti-government protests targeting the administration of President William Ruto over allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement and police brutality.

 

According to a police watchdog, at least 38 people were killed and hundreds arrested during last year’s Saba Saba protests.

 

Ahead of this year’s anniversary, the Economic Justice Movement notified police of its intention to stage a peaceful procession in Nairobi and shared the notice on social media.

 

However, the police said they did not receive any formal notification and declared that any planned procession would be illegal.

 

“Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law,” the police said in a statement, while announcing additional security checkpoints across the city.

 

The Economic Justice Movement said the planned protest was intended to highlight concerns over “extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and police brutality,” as well as worsening economic conditions and declining opportunities for young people.

 

Despite the calls for demonstrations, turnout is expected to be significantly lower than in previous years, with many Kenyans reportedly reluctant to protest due to fears of police violence.

 

According to the police watchdog, at least 127 people were killed during protests between June and July in 2024 and during a similar period in 2025.

 

“There’s a general sense of exhaustion,” local rights activist Wanjira Wanjiru of the Mathare Social Justice Centre said.