馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Plainclothes officers arrest activists during Saba Saba protests in Nairobi
via Tuko2 min read
Plainclothes police officers arrested several protesters on Harambee Avenue in Nairobi during Saba Saba protests. The activists were demonstrating against alleged human rights violations under President William Ruto's government, claiming their democratic rights. The arrests occurred near the National Treasury building, with some protesters dragged and bundled into a Subaru. Uniformed police also made an arrest on Wabera Street. Nairobi regional police commander Issa Mohamud had previously declared the Saba Saba protests illegal due to a lack of formal notification from organizers, warning that participants would be treated as criminals. Police had also set up roadblocks and checkpoints, and barricaded roads leading to parliament with barbed wire. The demonstrations marked the 36th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests that advocated for multiparty democracy.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
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Must ReadKenyan police have declared the planned Saba Saba commemorations unlawful, stating that organizers failed to provide the required notification under the Public Order Act. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said authorities had not received any formal notification for the demonstrations, which are scheduled for July 7. Mohamud emphasized that while the Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly, organizers are legally required to notify police in advance for security and traffic management. He warned that any gathering without prior agreement would be treated as an unlawful assembly and that security agencies would act firmly against violence or attempts to access restricted areas like Parliament. Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri also maintained that the National Police Service was not officially aware of any planned demonstrations. However, organizers, led by National Convener Francis Owino, dispute the police's claims, insisting they submitted formal notices to both the Nairobi Regional Police Commander's office and the Inspector-General of Police's office last week. They plan to proceed with a peaceful march from Jeevanjee Gardens to Parliament Buildings to present a petition addressing alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, excessive use of force, and other governance concerns. Human rights groups support the demonstrations, aiming to honor those who fought for democratic reforms and press Parliament on human rights issues, assert
Must ReadThe National Police Service NPS has announced enhanced security measures, including additional checkpoints, across Nairobi in anticipation of the annual Saba Saba commemorations on July 7. The NPS stated that these measures are intended to regulate human and vehicular movement and ensure normal business operations continue for residents not participating in demonstrations. They cited past incidents of peace breaches during Saba Saba commemorations. The police urged motorists and pedestrians to cooperate with officers, warning that unlawful acts would be met with legal action. Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud stated that police had not received formal notification of planned protests, and any gathering would be considered unlawful. However, protest organizers claim they submitted the required notification on Friday to both the Nairobi Regional Commander's office and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, asserting that participants would remain peaceful and unarmed.