NAIROBI, Kenya — Human rights activists have formally notified the National Police Service of their plans to hold a peaceful procession in Nairobi on Saba Saba Day, calling on security agencies to facilitate the event through adequate security and traffic management measures.
The Grassroots Economic Justice Movement submitted a notice to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, informing authorities of an intended march on July 7 to commemorate Kenya’s historic pro-democracy movement.
According to the notification, participants will assemble at Jevanjee Gardens before marching through Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Parliament Buildings, where organisers intend to present a petition to leaders of both houses of Parliament.
Petition focuses on human rights concerns
The movement’s National Convenor, Francis Awino, said the petition would urge Parliament to address a range of human rights issues and strengthen constitutional protections.
Among the concerns listed are allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, excessive use of force by security officers, and the need for stronger police accountability mechanisms.
Organisers are also seeking parliamentary action to reinforce constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law.
“The procession will culminate in the presentation of a petition to Parliament calling for action on pressing human rights concerns affecting citizens,” the organisers said.
Organisers expect thousands to participate
The movement estimates that about 3,000 people will take part in the march.
Expected participants include civil society organisations, youth groups, religious leaders, students, professionals, community activists and members of the public.
The procession is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
In their communication to police, organisers pledged to ensure that participants remain peaceful and unarmed throughout the event.
“Participants shall remain peaceful, unarmed and orderly throughout the procession,” the notification states.
Awino also said organisers would work closely with law enforcement officers to maintain public order and minimise disruptions.
What the law says
The notification was submitted in line with Kenya’s Public Order Act, which requires organisers of public assemblies and processions to notify police in advance.
Under Kenyan law, organisers are required to provide notice to facilitate security planning, traffic management and public safety measures.
The law does not require citizens to seek police permission before holding a peaceful assembly.
The right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Courts in Kenya have repeatedly affirmed that the role of police is to facilitate peaceful assemblies while protecting lives, property and public order.
Significance of Saba Saba Day
The planned demonstration coincides with the annual commemoration of Saba Saba, a term derived from the date July 7.
Saba Saba is widely recognised as a defining moment in Kenya’s democratic history following nationwide protests in 1990 that intensified pressure on the government to restore multi-party politics.
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The protests, led by opposition figures and civil society activists, played a significant role in the political reforms that eventually ended one-party rule.
More than three decades later, Saba Saba remains a symbol of civic activism, democratic participation and constitutional freedoms in Kenya.
With the demonstrations expected to attract thousands of participants, attention is likely to focus on both organisers and security agencies to ensure the commemorations proceed peacefully.
Civil society groups have urged authorities to respect constitutional freedoms, while police
