NAIROBI, Kenya- The National Police Service (NPS) has announced that it will deploy enhanced security checkpoints across Nairobi on Tuesday, July 7, as the country marks the annual Saba Saba commemoration.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NPS said the measures were informed by past experiences during Saba Saba commemorations, when demonstrations allegedly resulted in breaches of the peace and disrupted normal business activities.
“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 statement said.
The police urged members of the public to cooperate with officers and warned that anyone engaging in unlawful acts would face legal action.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after security agencies mounted extensive roadblocks and barricades across major roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District during the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests, significantly restricting movement into the city.
The police operation drew criticism from human rights organisations, lawyers and civil society groups, who argued the blanket road closures interfered with freedom of movement and peaceful assembly.
This year’s Saba Saba commemorations are expected to include peaceful processions organised by civil society groups.
Organisers have formally notified the National Police Service of plans to march from Jeevanjee Gardens to Parliament Buildings to present a petition calling for stronger police accountability, action on alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, and protection of constitutional rights.
They have said the demonstration will be peaceful and have asked police to provide security and traffic management.
Saba Saba, observed annually on July 7, commemorates the pro-democracy movement that culminated in the 1990 protests demanding the restoration of multiparty democracy in Kenya.
In recent years, the day has also become a platform for demonstrations on governance, human rights and accountability.
