The Kenyan government has suspended hundreds of Kenyans from travelling to Nairobi from Mombasa ahead of Saba Saba protests.
This was revealed by activist Hussein Khalid who termed it as gross violation of human rights.
“Now police are curtailing freedom of movement. Hundreds of youth from Nairobi who had attended the Diani Summer Tide Festival have been stopped at the Dongo Kundu bypass near Likoni, Mombasa, “he stated
The hundreds of young people from Nairobi had booked the 2pm SGR train back to Nairobi, the police claiming that allowing them to proceed would lead to participation in the upcoming Saba Saba protests, highlighting a perceived threat to public order.
“Freedom of movement is a constitutional guarantee. Now police want to dictate to Kenyans where to go and where not to?” Hussein added.
These protests are expected to be significant, driven by Gen Z activists and civil society groups, with demands for better governance, accountability, and an end to police brutality, corruption, and economic hardship.
The June 25, 2025, protests, marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, saw violent clashes, with 16–19 deaths, over 400 injuries, and reports of abductions and arrests. This has heightened tensions ahead of Saba Saba, with fears of similar chaos.
Security agencies are on high alert, with military units reportedly on standby due to fears of a repeat of the June 25 chaos.
Nairobi has seen heightened security, with past protests involving road barricades, razor wire around key government buildings, and restrictions on vehicle movement.
Government and Security Response
The National Police Service (NPS) has stated it is unaware of formal protest applications for July 7, urging organizers to seek permits to avoid legal issues. Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga emphasized that unpermitted protests often lead to chaos and property destruction.
Security agencies are on high alert, with military units reportedly on standby due to fears of a repeat of the June 25 chaos. Nairobi has seen heightened security, with past protests involving road barricades, razor wire around key government buildings, and restrictions on vehicle movement.
The Assembly and Demonstration Bill, 2024, seeks to restrict protests within 100 meters of key government institutions like Parliament and State House, drawing criticism from church leaders and activists for undermining constitutional rights under Article 37.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry warned that protests could deter foreign investment, while Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku directed public servants to report to work despite the protests, threatening consequences for non-compliance.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) and the Motorists Association of Kenya have urged police restraint and protection of the constitutional right to protest, criticizing past brutality and proposed laws restricting demonstration.
Businesses in Nairobi are bracing for disruptions, with some closing or relocating stock, and schools have advised parents not to send children on July 7 due to safety concerns.
Wiltord Otieno is a passionate journalist at The Kenya Times with a keen eye for impactful stories. He specializes in news writing, digital content, and storytelling that informs and inspires. He is driven by curiosity, committed to ethical reporting, and always ready to grow in this fast-evolving media landscape. He can be reached at [email protected]
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