NAIROBI, Kenya- Nairobi police have declared Tuesday’s planned Saba Saba demonstrations illegal, saying no organisers have formally notified authorities of any public assembly as required by law.
Speaking on Monday evening, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said July 7 remains a normal working day and warned that any gathering held without prior notification would be treated as an unlawful assembly.
“Tomorrow is a normal working day,” Mohamud told journalists.
He said police had not received any formal notification from organisers regarding the planned protests.
“Any gathering tomorrow will be treated as illegal,” he said.
Police cite intelligence on planned violence
Mohamud said security agencies had received intelligence indicating that some groups intended to exploit the demonstrations to incite violence.
“We have intelligence… there is a group whose intention is to incite violence,” he said.
To bolster security, the commander announced enhanced screening of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and other vehicles entering Nairobi’s central business district.
He said the measures are intended to maintain public safety and prevent criminal activity during the day.
Organisers dispute police claim
Police statements come amid conflicting accounts over compliance with the law governing public assemblies.
Some organisers of the planned Saba Saba protests maintain they submitted notification letters to the police, creating uncertainty over whether the required notices were officially received.
The dispute could become a key issue if demonstrations proceed despite the police declaration.
Residents advised to expect disruptions
Authorities have urged Nairobi residents to obtain information from official and trusted sources, plan their travel early and anticipate increased security operations and traffic disruptions in parts of the city.
The annual Saba Saba commemorations, held on July 7, mark the historic 1990 pro-democracy movement that called for the restoration of multiparty democracy in Kenya.
In recent years, the anniversary has also served as a platform for demonstrations over governance, economic and social issues.
Under Article 37 of the Constitution, every person has the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
The Public Order Act requires organisers of public processions and demonstrations to notify the police in advance to facilitate security and public order.