NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has described this year’s Saba Saba demonstrations in the capital as largely peaceful, saying only 10 people were arrested as police maintained security throughout the day.
Addressing journalists after the protests on Tuesday, Mohamud said six suspects were arrested in the Pangani area, while four others were apprehended within the Central Police Station jurisdiction.
“The conduct of the public today has reaffirmed that Kenya remains a nation guided by order, unity and mutual respect. We apprehended only 10 people—six in the Pangani area and four within the Central Police Station,” Mohamud said.
Businesses remained open
The regional police commander commended members of the public for exercising restraint during the demonstrations, saying the largely peaceful protests allowed normal business activities to continue across much of the city.
“As you can see, about 80 pc of businesses remained open until this time,” he said.
Mohamud reiterated that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket peacefully but stressed that those rights must be exercised within the law.
“The right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket is guaranteed under the Constitution and must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.
Warning against criminal activity
The police commander warned that law enforcement agencies would take firm action against individuals who exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal acts such as looting, vandalism, or destruction of property.
“There must be order. If you love your country, you should uphold peace. Lakini kama unatafuta pesa kwa NGOs kuharibu mali ya watu, hiyo hatutakubali,” he said.
Mohamud also dismissed allegations that police officers were involved in abductions, maintaining that the National Police Service operates within the law.
“And we don’t do abductions; we are police officers. The whole day, we have been here,” he said.
Annual commemoration
The Saba Saba demonstrations are held annually to commemorate the July 7, 1990, pro-democracy movement, which played a significant role in Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy.
Security officers maintained a heavy presence across key locations in Nairobi during this year’s protests to monitor demonstrations and prevent violence or destruction of property.
Police said investigations into the 10 arrests are ongoing and that authorities will continue reviewing the events of the day.