Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohammud addressing the media, flanked by other commanders in Nairobi, July 6, 2026. /SCREENGRAB
Nairobi residents should expect enhanced security checks and controlled access to parts of the city on Tuesday as police prepare for anticipated Saba Saba demonstrations calling for an end to alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and alleged police brutality.
In a statement issued a day ahead of the planned protests, the National Police Service (NPS) said enhanced checkpoints would be mounted on various roads within the capital as a security measure, citing past incidents in which demonstrations resulted in breaches of the peace.
"As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city on 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement. Members of the public are urged to obey and cooperate with the National Police Service to ensure that peace and order prevail," the statement said.
The service said previous Saba Saba protests had witnessed the destruction of property and disruption of normal business activities by individuals who were not part of the demonstrations, warning that such conduct would not be tolerated.
"Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law," the NPS said.
The demonstrations, organised by young Kenyans and human rights organisations under the theme "March for Our Lives", seek to pressure the government to address concerns over economic justice, transparency, accountability, alleged police brutality, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
The protests also commemorate the historic July 7, 1990, pro-democracy movement that challenged the Moi administration and eventually led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution, paving the way for the reintroduction of multiparty democracy.
Police have maintained that Tuesday's demonstrations were not lawfully notified, disputing claims by organisers that they had informed the relevant security agencies in advance.
Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the service only became aware of the planned protests through social media.
"We have never been notified; this is the correct position. Consequently, violence, destruction of property, looting, and attacks on police stations are criminal acts. So, all criminal elements will be dealt with firmly, decisively and within the law," Mohamud said.
He assured the business community and Nairobi residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard lives and property.
"There will be controlled access. Accessibility will not be just like that. There will be restricted areas like Parliament," he added.
By Tuesday morning, transport had already been disrupted, with many matatus staying off the roads, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded in Nairobi's central business district.
Organisers, who plan to march from Jevanjee Gardens to Parliament Buildings to present their petition, have maintained that the demonstrations will be peaceful despite the heightened security measures and the police position that the protests were not lawfully notified.
