A protester is arrested by police during the Saba Saba day commemoration protest in Nairobi on July 7, 2026/Enos Teche
This year's Saba Saba commemorations were largely low-key
across Kenya after heavy police deployment and roadblocks effectively sealed
off access to city and town centres.
However, the security measures caused major traffic
disruptions that brought Nairobi to a near standstill for much of the day.
Motorists and commuters were stranded for hours as police
mounted barricades on key roads leading into Nairobi's CBD, forcing vehicles to
use alternative routes and leaving many people to walk long distances to their
workplaces.
The heightened security presence prevented the large crowds
and demonstrations that have traditionally characterised the annual
commemoration of the July 7, 1990, pro-democracy movement.
Sections of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD)
recorded minimal activity on Tuesday morning as a heavy police presence
dominated key streets and intersections ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba
demonstrations.
The CBD remained quiet by mid-morning, with only a handful
of private and public service vehicles navigating the usually busy streets.
Pedestrian traffic was also significantly reduced, with many
streets appearing unusually quiet compared with a normal working day.
A police lorry was stationed at the roundabout near the
General Post Office (GPO) along Kenyatta Avenue, with officers maintaining a
presence at strategic points across the CBD.
The usually bustling pavements and bus stages were sparsely
populated as many Nairobi residents appeared to stay away from the city centre.
Movement into and out of the CBD remained limited by
mid-morning, with relatively few vehicles accessing the area.
Public transport services were also affected, with fewer
matatus operating routes into the CBD.
Police maintained that Tuesday's demonstrations had not been
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.
In Mombasa, a peaceful procession was briefly disrupted
after protesters clashed with security officers over the route to be followed
through the Central Business District.
The standoff erupted after police stopped the demonstrators
and attempted to redirect the procession, insisting that the group use a
different route.
The move was resisted by the protesters, leading to a tense
face-off between the two sides.
Kisumu remained calm on Tuesday as businesses operated
normally despite nationwide calls by activists to mark the annual Saba Saba
demonstrations.
Unlike previous years, when the lakeside city witnessed
protests and heightened security, traders opened their shops as usual, public
service vehicles operated normally and residents went about their daily
activities without disruption.
In Eldoret, security teams in lorries and Land Rovers
patrolled the town to monitor the situation and ensure businesses operated as
usual.
Uasin Gishu county police commander Wilberforce Sicharani
said they had not received any notification of planned protests in Eldoret or
other parts of the region.
"We are monitoring the situation across all areas to
ensure business continues as usual in every part of the county," Sicharani
said.
Most of the security teams were deployed along the
Eldoret-Webuye Road and the highway leading to Kisumu.
"We do not expect any incidents, but we remain on alert
to respond and help maintain security in line with our mandate," Sicharani
said.
Despite the low-key observance on the streets, political
leaders, civil society groups and public figures marked the day through
statements on social media and other platforms.
Several leaders urged Kenyans to uphold the ideals of
democracy, justice and the rule of law, saying the sacrifices made by those who
fought for multi-party democracy should not be forgotten.
ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga called for a shift in mindset
towards the day and urged that it be transformed into a national holiday to
celebrate the heroes of the multi-party democracy movement.
"Having lived through that struggle, I am proud that
these milestones were successfully achieved first in the early '90s, and later
anchored in our 2010 Constitution. Because these foundational battles have been
won, it is time for Saba Saba to evolve. I firmly believe it should now be
officially recognised as a national holiday," Oburu said in a statement.
"Instead of turning to the streets in conflict, let us
use this moment to appreciate our immense political gains, reflect on our
future and honour the brave heroes who fought for our freedom. Let us protect
our hard-earned democracy."
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna honoured the victims of political
intolerance while urging the government to respect citizens' constitutional
freedoms.
"On this Saba Saba, we celebrate all those who paid the
price in the struggle for democracy and an end to human rights abuses and
political repression," Sifuna said in a post.
"It's sad that 36 years later, the monster still has a
pulse. We lost Vincent Osiemo following acts of political violence in Keumbu on
Friday, a needless death resulting from intolerance and goonism. On behalf of
the Linda Mwananchi team, we will stand with his family and continue to demand
justice and accountability for all those involved."
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Saba Saba, commemorated every July 7, marks the anniversary
of the historic 1990 demonstrations that accelerated Kenya's transition to
multi-party democracy. It remains a significant date in the country's struggle
for political freedoms.
