The National Police Service has appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and exercise restraint during the planned Saba Saba Day demonstrations scheduled for Monday.
In a public statement issued Sunday evening, the police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Kenyans while maintaining peace, law, and order.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions, police emphasized that such actions must remain within the confines of the law.
They reminded protesters to remain unarmed and peaceful, warning that carrying weapons would be treated as a direct violation of the Constitution and Penal Code (Cap. 63, Sections 78 and 82).
Authorities further cautioned against attempts to access protected government installations or restricted areas, noting that such actions are prohibited under the Protected Areas Act (Cap. 204) and would attract immediate legal consequences.
Additionally, the police warned that acts of looting, vandalism, road blockades, or incitement to violence under the guise of protest would not be tolerated and would be met with firm, lawful action.
“NPS continues to uphold professionalism and restraint in discharging its duties. However, any form of riotous, unlawful, or violent behaviour shall be met with appropriate lawful force to preserve order and protect lives and property,” read part of the statement.
The police also urged members of the public not to provoke law enforcement officers deployed to maintain order, cautioning that any confrontational conduct against officers undermines the rule of law and constitutes a serious criminal offence.
Meanwhile, a section of leaders has voiced concern over the conduct of police officers in previous protests, accusing them of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators while allegedly standing by as hired thugs harassed and disrupted gatherings.
The growing tension comes as Kenyans prepare to mark July 7, a historically significant date in the country’s democratic journey when, in 1990, citizens took to the streets to demand multiparty democracy.
As anxiety builds in anticipation of possible unrest, several learning institutions have advised students to remain at home and resume classes on Tuesday.
This follows public calls for justice for victims of last year’s anti-government protests and growing demands for greater accountability from national leaders.
Adding to the unrest, several Kenyans have expressed concerns over what they term as government intimidation tactics, including alleged abductions and extra-judicial actions aimed at suppressing protests.
Notably, over the weekend, a large group of Gen Z youth traveling from Diani to Nairobi reportedly faced delays after police mounted roadblocks on the busy Mombasa-Diani Road near the Dongo Kundu bypass.
The police operation, which began around midday Saturday, targeted vehicles ferrying young people returning from the Diani Summer Tide Festival.
Authorities claimed the action was based on intelligence reports suggesting that some youths aboard the vehicles planned to travel to Nairobi to participate in Monday’s Saba Saba commemorations.
While no arrests were confirmed, the roadblock caused a significant traffic snarl-up, leaving motorists stranded and some travelers missing their scheduled 3:00 p.m. Madaraka Express SGR train to Nairobi.
The disruption affected not only the festival-goers but also tourists and commuters heading to Moi International Airport in Mombasa, with many fearing missed flights and work delays ahead of the workweek.
Later on Sunday evening, Kenya Railways announced the temporary suspension of the 10:00 p.m. Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi, citing unspecified technical issues.
In a notice signed by the Managing Director, the corporation apologized for the inconvenience but did not provide details on the nature of the problem or when normal services would resume.
In related developments, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged Kenyans to maintain peace during Monday’s protests.
Speaking in Meru County on Sunday, Murkomen raised concerns about rising incidents of violence in demonstrations, including the destruction of public property such as police stations and courts.
He noted that while concerns about police conduct were valid, protest organizers also bore responsibility for maintaining order.
“They say the police haven’t done this, the police haven’t done that. But those who bring us trouble and those who use violence to do politics are the ones destroying our country,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS further assured the public that the government’s priority was to safeguard peace and uphold the rights of all citizens, stating, “We have no intention of harming anyone. Our intention is to ensure our country remains in peace.”
Murkomen recently faced public backlash after being accused of inciting violence against protesters, following widely circulated video footage.
Although he has denied making the remarks, the incident continues to attract criticism amid concerns over the government’s handling of public dissent.
Many eyes will be on the Kenyan police and leadership and how they shall handle Saba Saba day demonstrators.
