NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has declared planned Saba Saba Day demonstrations in the capital illegal, warning that anyone who participates in the protests will be treated as part of an unlawful assembly.

The warning comes despite civil society groups and human rights activists insisting that they formally notified the National Police Service (NPS) of their intention to hold peaceful processions on July 7 to commemorate the historic pro-democracy movement and present a petition to Parliament.

Speaking during a security briefing on Monday 6, July 2026, Mohamud said police had not received any valid notification from protest organisers, a requirement he argued must be met before public demonstrations can proceed.

“We have held meetings with commanders from Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Nairobi because we face common challenges during protests,” Mohamud said.

“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. We have not received any notification, even from the neighbouring counties.”

He added:

“To us, the planned protests are merely allegations and are therefore illegal. A peaceful and unarmed demonstration starts with a notification indicating the date, routes and time. That has not happened.”

Police vow firm response

Mohamud warned that security agencies would take action against anyone who gathers for demonstrations, citing intelligence reports suggesting some individuals may seek to exploit the protests for criminal activities.

“If you gather anywhere tomorrow, we will treat you as criminals,” he said.

“We are aware that the previous protests failed, and that there are plans to incite violence and engage in looting. We will deal with anyone involved firmly.”

He further stated that police would secure businesses and workers in Nairobi while maintaining public order.

“We will protect businesses and those going to work in Nairobi. We will isolate and deal firmly with criminals while upholding professionalism as the police. Tomorrow is a normal working day and there will be peace.”

Heightened security measures in Nairobi

Authorities have announced enhanced security operations across Nairobi, particularly around critical government installations.

Police said access to areas surrounding Parliament Buildings will be restricted and vehicles entering the Central Business District (CBD) will undergo screening.

“There will be restricted areas like Parliament. We do not want intruders to go there,” Mohamud said.

“Vehicles will also be checked before they are allowed to go to the Central Business District.”

While ruling out a blanket ban on public transport, he confirmed that public service vehicles would be subjected to security checks before entering the city.

“We do not intend to interfere with the movement of public service vehicles. However, there will be restrictions in some areas, such as around Parliament. We will allow PSV buses into Nairobi city after screening.”

Activists insist they notified police

The police position directly contradicts claims by protest organisers, who say they complied with the law by notifying authorities several days in advance.

Lawyer John Maina Ndegwa, one of the organisers, said a formal notice was delivered to police last week.

“We did present that notification last Thursday, so they have it,” he said.

Activists maintain that the planned march is lawful and intended to commemorate Saba Saba Day while petitioning Parliament over alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, police accountability and broader governance concerns.

According to organisers, participants are expected to assemble at Jeevanjee Gardens before proceeding through Nairobi’s CBD to Parliament Buildings.

“Tomorrow, Kenyans from all walks of life will commemorate Saba Saba Day, a historical milestone in the struggle for democracy, constitutionalism and accountable governance,” activist Elisha Ochieng said during a press briefing.

Rights groups raise concerns over policing

Civil society organisations have urged police to respect constitutional freedoms and ensure officers deployed during the demonstrations remain identifiable.

Organisers said they oppose the deployment of masked officers or security personnel operating unmarked vehicles, arguing that such practices undermine accountability.

“The law does not allow police officers to attend protests with their faces concealed,” organisers said.

They also alleged that criminal elements could be deployed to infiltrate demonstrations and trigger violence, calling for investigations into any such attempts.

Constitutional debate over public assemblies

The dispute highlights a recurring debate over the interpretation of Kenya’s public assembly laws.

Under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, every person has the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.

The Public Order Act requires organisers of public processions and assemblies to notify police in advance to facilitate security arrangements.

Also Read: Activists notify police ahead of peaceful Saba Saba march to Parliament

Legal experts have consistently argued that the law requires notification rather than permission, meaning police cannot lawfully prohibit a peaceful gathering solely because they disagree with its objectives.

Courts in Kenya have repeatedly affirmed that notification is intended to enable authorities to maintain public order and protect participants rather than serve as a licensing mechanism for public demonstrations.

Significance of Saba Saba Day

Observed annually on July 7, Saba Saba Day commemorates the pro-democracy movement that emerged in 1990 when activists and opposition leaders demanded the restoration of multiparty democracy after years of one-party rule.

The protests became a defining moment in Kenya’s democratic history and contributed to constitutional reforms that eventually expanded political freedoms.

In recent years, the anniversary has evolved into a broader platform for citizens, youth movements and civil society groups to demand government accountability, respect for human rights and adherence to constitutional principles.

With police insisting demonstrations will not be permitted and organisers maintaining they have complied with the law, attention is now focused on how both sides will conduct themselves during Tuesday’s commemorations and whether the day will unfold peacefully in Kenya’s capital.