Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has warned that anyone who takes part in the planned Saba Saba protests on Tuesday will be treated as a criminal, saying the demonstrations are illegal because police were not notified as required by law.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, July 6, Mohamud said the police had not received any formal notification from organisers in Nairobi or neighbouring counties.
He explained that under the law, organisers of a public demonstration are expected to notify the police in advance, providing details such as the date, time and planned routes.
According to Mohamud, the absence of such a notification means the planned protests cannot be recognised as lawful demonstrations.
He dismissed reports circulating on social media about the protests, saying they remain unconfirmed from the police’s point of view because no official communication had been received.
The regional police commander also revealed that security agencies had already held joint meetings involving commanders from Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado counties. He said the four counties often face similar security challenges whenever major demonstrations are held, making coordinated planning necessary.
Mohamud said police are concerned that individuals could take advantage of the planned protests to engage in criminal activities.
He pointed to previous demonstrations that ended in unrest, claiming there were fears that some people intended to use Tuesday’s protests as an opportunity for looting and violence.
He warned that security officers would respond firmly to anyone found taking part in unlawful activities or gathering for what police consider an illegal protest.
However, human rights organisations backing the planned demonstrations have insisted that the protests will still take place.
The coalition argues that it had already submitted the required notification to Nairobi police ahead of last Thursday’s demonstrations and believes that notification also covers the planned activities.
The organisations say the protests are aimed at demanding accountability over alleged police killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests.
They are also calling for the prosecution of officers accused of using unlawful force against members of the public.
In addition, the groups plan to present a petition to Parliament outlining their demands.
They argue that addressing the concerns they have raised is necessary to protect human rights, uphold the rule of law and promote peaceful coexistence across the country.
