Kenyan police have barred a planned march in Nairobi to mark this year’s Saba Saba Day, as security operatives flooded parts of the city on Tuesday and tightened movement around key areas ahead of the anniversary protest.
Saba Saba, which translates to “seven seven,” is observed every July 7 in remembrance of the historic 1990 uprising when Kenyans took to the streets to demand a return to multi party democracy after years of authoritarian rule under former President Daniel arap Moi.
Over time, the annual protest has grown beyond its original symbolism and, in recent years, has become closely tied to wider public anger over governance under President William Ruto. Demonstrators have repeatedly accused the government of corruption, economic hardship and police brutality, turning the anniversary into a rallying point for fresh anti government protests.
Authorities appear determined to prevent a repeat of the violence recorded in previous demonstrations. Last year’s Saba Saba protests left at least 38 people dead across Kenya, while hundreds of others were arrested, according to figures from a police watchdog.
This year, the government moved early to shut down possible gatherings, with a strong police presence mounted across Nairobi and extra security checkpoints disrupting traffic and daily movement in parts of the capital.
The Economic Justice Movement had earlier announced plans for a peaceful procession in Nairobi and said it had formally notified the police, even sharing that notice on social media. But the police rejected the claim, insisting no such notification was received and warning that any procession held without approval would be treated as illegal.
In a statement, the police warned that any unlawful activity would be met with the full force of the law, signalling a tough stance against any attempt to stage demonstrations in the city.
The organisers said the planned protest was intended to spotlight issues such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and police violence, as well as worsening economic hardship and shrinking opportunities for young people and struggling families across the country.
Despite the significance of Saba Saba Day, turnout this year is expected to be far lower than in previous years, largely because of fear. Many Kenyans remain deeply shaken by the violence that accompanied protests in June and July 2024 and a similar period in 2025, when at least 127 people were reportedly killed, according to figures from the same police watchdog.
Rights campaigners say the mood in the country has changed, with fear and fatigue now hanging over what was once a powerful symbol of resistance. Wanjira Wanjiru of the Mathare Social Justice Centre said there is now a broad feeling of exhaustion among many citizens, reflecting the emotional and physical toll of repeated crackdowns on protests.
