Saba Saba protests: Heavy police presence as roads closed in Nairobi

Checkpoints were observed on sections of Jogoo Road, Mombasa Road and Thika Road as traffic flow remained slow. Likewise, roads leading to Parliament have been barricaded with barbed wire.

Today, July 7, marks the 36th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests that agitated for multiparty democracy and resulted in toppling a one-party state.

Kenyans have since taken to the streets on the day to address human rights violations committed by the government.

Protests in 2025 turned deadly as the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that 38 people died, with at least 130 others nursing injuries across the country.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has declared the planned Saba Saba demonstrations illegal, citing lack of notification, and warned that anyone who gathers will be treated as a criminal.

Speaking ahead of the anticipated protests, Mohamud said police had not received any formal notification from organisers, a legal requirement for any public demonstration.

"We have held meetings with commanders from Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Nairobi because we face common challenges during protests. We have seen reports on social media about the planned Saba Saba demonstrations tomorrow, but we have never been notified, which is a legal requirement," he said.

A Nairobi-based lobby group had served notice to the Inspector General of Police Doglas Janja and other security agencies of the planned Saba Saba protests to be held in Nairobi.

In a notice, the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement outlined the route to be used by about 3,000 participants to push for parliamentary intervention on extrajudicial killings as well as enforced disappearances.

The group said participants will march from Jeevanjee Gardens to Parliament buildings, where they will present a petition.