The National Police Service (NPS) has announced enhanced security measures across Nairobi ahead of the planned Saba Saba commemoration protests on Tuesday, July 7, warning motorists and pedestrians to expect increased police checkpoints across the city.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, the NPS said the move was informed by experiences from previous Saba Saba protests, where demonstrations resulted in breaches of peace and disrupted normal business operations.
"As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement," the police stated.
According to the service, the security operation is intended to maintain law and order while allowing those not participating in the demonstrations to continue with their daily activities.
The police noted that in past years, some members of the public had engaged in acts that disrupted businesses and interfered with the rights of other Kenyans, prompting tighter security arrangements this year.
The announcement signals heightened security across the capital as authorities prepare for possible demonstrations linked to the annual Saba Saba commemoration, which has historically attracted protests over governance and economic issues.
Motorists are expected to encounter roadblocks and routine security checks at various entry points and major roads within Nairobi, with police indicating that both people and vehicles will be subjected to inspection.
The NPS appealed to residents to cooperate with officers deployed across the city to ensure the day passes peacefully.
"Members of the public are urged to obey and cooperate with the National Police Service to ensure that peace and order prevail," the statement read.
The police also warned that anyone found engaging in unlawful activities during the commemoration would face legal action. "Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law," the NPS cautioned.
The announcement comes as security agencies heighten preparedness ahead of the annual July 7 commemorations, with authorities seeking to prevent a repeat of previous incidents that have seen businesses disrupted and transport affected in parts of Nairobi.
The latest security measures come less than two weeks after police mounted roadblocks and barricades on major routes leading into Nairobi's Central Business District during the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests, severely restricting access to the city. The operation attracted criticism from human rights groups, lawyers and civil society organisations, who argued the closures violated freedom of movement and peaceful assembly.
This year's Saba Saba commemorations are expected to feature processions organised by civil society groups, which say they intend to peacefully march from Jeevanjee Gardens to Parliament Buildings to present a petition demanding greater police accountability, action on alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, and the protection of constitutional rights.
However, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has declared Tuesday's planned protests illegal, insisting police had not received the mandatory notification required under the law.
"We have not received any notification... A peaceful and unarmed demonstration starts with a notification indicating the date, routes and time. That has not happened," Mohamud said.
He warned that anyone participating in the demonstrations would be treated as a criminal, citing fears that criminals could exploit the protests to loot and cause violence.
"If you gather anywhere tomorrow, we will treat you as criminals...We will deal with anyone involved firmly," he said.
