Kenya police ban march on protest anniversary

Kenyan police have prohibited a planned march in Nairobi scheduled for Tuesday, which was intended to mark an annual day of protest. Heavy security deployments have disrupted traffic in the capital as authorities move to prevent gatherings. The day, known as "Saba Saba Day," commemorates July 7, 1990, when Kenyans demanded a return to multi-party democracy.

In recent years, "Saba Saba" has evolved into a broader platform for protests against President William Ruto's administration, with demonstrators citing accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and police brutality. Last year's "Saba Saba" protests resulted in at least 38 deaths and hundreds of arrests across Kenya, according to a police watchdog.

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Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law.

This year, the government has taken a preemptive approach, utilizing extensive police presence to deter even small gatherings. The Economic Justice Movement, which had notified police of its intention to hold a peaceful procession, reported that police denied receiving any notice and declared any procession illegal. Police warned of increased checkpoints throughout the city, stating, "Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law."

The Economic Justice Movement aimed to draw attention to "extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and police brutality," alongside an escalating economic crisis and declining opportunities for young people. However, organizers acknowledge that protests are likely to draw smaller crowds this year. Many citizens express fear of police violence, particularly after figures from the police watchdog indicated that at least 127 people were killed during protests in June-July 2024 and a similar period in 2025. "There's a general sense of exhaustion," said Wanjira Wanjiru of the Mathare Social Justice Centre.

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There’s a general sense of exhaustion.