Atwoli urges Western Kenya to maintain peace ahead of Saba Saba protests
By Mustafa Juma, July 6, 2026Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has appealed to residents of Western Kenya to maintain peace and avoid participating in the planned Saba Saba protests, urging Kenyans to pursue political change through the ballot rather than street demonstrations.
Speaking during a church service in Siaya on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Atwoli also urged leaders from the region to shun divisive political remarks.
Atwoli said while citizens and leaders have a right to hold differing political opinions, peace and stability should remain the country’s priority.
He argued that whichever political coalition formed government would inevitably face criticism and public pressure.
“Hata sisi na Raila tungechukua serikali wangetusumbua vile wanasumbua William Ruto namna hii. Wangetupea shida,” Atwoli said.
Atwoli said the country should focus on safeguarding the future of younger generations instead of engaging in recurring confrontations.
“Nataka tuangalie mbele kwenye tunaenda. Tuko na watoto, ile kitu tunataka ni amani,” he said.
The veteran trade unionist also praised young people in Kisumu, saying they had demonstrated political maturity by rejecting demonstrations in favour of democratic participation.
“Nimefurahia sana vijana wa Kisumu juzi. Walikataa mambo ya maandamano wakasema wanachukua kura,” Atwoli said.
Calls for calm ahead of Saba Saba
Atwoli’s remarks come as tension continues to build ahead of the annual Saba Saba commemorations, with activists and sections of the opposition expected to hold demonstrations on July 7.
The day marks the anniversary of the historic July 7, 1990 pro-democracy protests that played a significant role in Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy. In recent years, however, Saba Saba has also become a focal point for demonstrations over governance, the cost of living, corruption and police accountability.
The planned protests come barely two weeks after nationwide demonstrations marking the anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests, which saw confrontations between protesters and police in several parts of the country.
Human rights organisations documented deaths, injuries, arrests and allegations of enforced disappearances following the June 25 protests, prompting renewed calls for accountability from security agencies.
Atwoli has consistently opposed protests
Sunday’s appeal is consistent with Atwoli’s recent calls urging Kenyans, particularly young people, to avoid street protests.
Ahead of the June 25 demonstrations, the COTU boss warned that protests could expose participants to unnecessary security risks and appealed to the youth to remain peaceful while seeking constitutional means of expressing their grievances.
He has repeatedly argued that prolonged demonstrations hurt businesses, discourage investment and negatively affect workers whose livelihoods depend on stable economic activity.
Debate over protests intensifies
Atwoli’s latest comments come against the backdrop of an increasingly polarised national debate over demonstrations.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have maintained that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and have accused the government of responding to demonstrations with excessive force.
The government, on the other hand, has defended police operations, insisting security agencies have a duty to maintain law and order while protecting lives and property during public gatherings.
As Kenya heads into another politically sensitive Saba Saba anniversary, leaders across the political divide have continued issuing competing appeals, with some urging citizens to take to the streets to press for reforms while others, including Atwoli, are calling for restraint and encouraging Kenyans to pursue change through the ballot box rather than demonstrations.