NAIROBI, Kenya- The National Police Service on Sunday evening issued a stern warning ahead of planned Saba Saba protests scheduled for Sunday, July 7, cautioning Kenyans against what it calls “unlawful conduct.”
But even as it postures as a guardian of public safety, the same institution has remained silent on the brazen attack earlier Sunday on grieving mothers and journalists at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices.
The mothers—many of whom have lost their children in recent protests—had gathered peacefully at KHRC to issue a press statement calling for justice and accountability ahead of the Saba Saba protests.
Before they could speak, armed and masked goons stormed the compound, disrupting the event, beating some participants, and chasing others away.
Journalists covering the event were also assaulted in full view of the public, raising urgent questions about who sanctioned the attack and why no police intervened.
Despite this disturbing incident, the police have not issued any statement condemning the violence or indicating investigations into the perpetrators.
Instead, they released a press statement emphasizing their constitutional mandate under Articles 243 and 244 of the Constitution, asserting their role in maintaining law and order.
In the statement, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the Service is aware of ongoing discussions in mainstream and social media about the planned Saba Saba protests and reaffirmed the Service’s “unwavering commitment” to safeguarding lives and property.
PRESS RELEASE : REAFFIRMING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE AND WARNING AGAINST UNLAWFUL CONDUCT DURING PLANNED SABASABA PROTESTS.
He stressed that while the Constitution under Article 37 grants Kenyans the right to peacefully assemble and demonstrate, those rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law.
The police warned that any protests that turn violent, involve carrying weapons, result in vandalism or looting, or involve access to protected government installations would be met with “firm, lawful action.”
They also cautioned the public against provoking officers, noting that any interference with law enforcement personnel would be treated as a criminal offense.
The police called on Kenyans to remain peaceful and to report any suspicious activity via emergency lines and the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.
Yet the unanswered question remains: where was this commitment to law and order when innocent civilians were attacked at KHRC in broad daylight?
Why was there no intervention when mothers mourning their dead children were roughed up while simply trying to speak?
Human Rights Defenders say as Kenya prepares for another historic Saba Saba Day, the integrity of the police service is once again on trial.
Their selective silence, activists say, speaks louder than their statements—warning that “Kenyans are watching.”
