Police declare Saba Saba protests unlawful as organizers vow to proceed
via Tuko5 min read
Kenyan 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
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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.
Tuk-tuk operators in Mombasa, under the Boda Boda and Tuk Tuk Transport Cooperative Union of Kenya BOTUK, have issued a seven-day strike notice to the county government. They demand the immediate suspension of the National Transport and Safety Authority's NTSA Instant Fines Management System and new registration requirements, which they claim are crippling their businesses. The Instant Fines Management System imposes a KSh 5,000 penalty for each traffic violation, which BOTUK Secretary Morara Omanga states becomes overwhelming for owners with multiple vehicles. Operators also cite concerns over widespread speed camera use and a KSh 5,000 parking fee per vehicle, adding to financial pressure. They accuse the county government of introducing policies without consultation and continuing to demand payments despite a court order suspending the disputed fines. The union warns that high registration costs could lead to job losses for young people and an increase in crime. This strike notice comes ahead of planned Saba Saba protests, with Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud stating that no formal notification for demonstrations has been received, and any gatherings would be considered unlawful.
Must ReadThe Kenyan government has launched a 10-year irrigation strategy aimed at expanding irrigation by one million acres to enhance food security, create jobs, and improve farmer livelihoods. The plan, unveiled at the Sustainable Irrigation Scaling Coordination Convening in Nairobi, was jointly hosted by the State Department for Irrigation and the Gates Foundation. Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho stated that the initiative marks a new phase in Kenya's irrigation development, bringing together various stakeholders including national and county governments, development partners, financial institutions, and farmer groups. Kimotho reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan NISIP 2025-2035, which is a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda BETA. He noted that while Kenya has the potential to irrigate over 3.35 million acres, only about 762,000 acres are currently under irrigation. Bridging this gap will require increased funding, stronger coordination, innovation, and sustained collaboration. The annual convening is expected to serve as a permanent platform for aligning stakeholders to maximize investment impact. The Gates Foundation is partnering with the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation to mobilize investment, strengthen innovation, and transform the lives of smallholder farmers. Representatives from the World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation, International Fund