The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a stern warning to individuals planning to exploit the ongoing Saba Saba demonstrations for criminal activities, saying security officers will act decisively against anyone involved in looting, violence or destruction of property.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the investigative agency assured Kenyans that their safety remains its top priority as thousands prepared to mark the historic Saba Saba Day through demonstrations and commemorative activities.

The DCI acknowledged concerns from members of the public over their safety and ability to carry out normal activities, including opening businesses, taking children to school and moving freely.

“Our duty remains the same: to protect life, safeguard property and preserve peace,” the agency said.

Right to protest, not to commit crime

While affirming that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to move freely, assemble lawfully and express themselves peacefully, the DCI cautioned that those freedoms should not be abused to facilitate criminal acts.

“That right must never be used as cover for looting, destruction, intimidation, violence or attacks on innocent wananchi and businesses,” the statement read.

The agency warned that officers had been deployed across the country and would deal firmly with anyone found threatening public safety or disrupting peace.

“Our officers will be on the ground to maintain order and deal firmly with anyone who threatens public safety, destroys property or disrupts peace,” DCI stated.

The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and anonymously report suspicious activities through its #FichuaKwaDCI platform, toll-free hotline and WhatsApp line.

Security concerns ahead of Saba Saba

The warning comes amid heightened security ahead of the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations, which activists have organised to press for governance reforms, an end to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and greater accountability.

Activist Muteti Mulinge had urged supporters to treat July 7 as a “public holiday” and join peaceful demonstrations to present a petition on governance and human rights concerns.

At the same time, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has previously maintained that recent protests have increasingly been infiltrated by criminal gangs, arguing that demonstrations witnessed in 2024 and 2025 were used as cover for looting and attacks on businesses.

“When you hear public protests, it is no longer a civilised protest. It is actually a mobilisation of gangs, thieves and robbers,” Murkomen told lawmakers earlier this year.

The CS argued that criminal elements had targeted supermarkets, shops and security installations during previous demonstrations, insisting that security agencies would remain vigilant against similar incidents.

Despite the warning, authorities have reiterated that peaceful and lawful demonstrations remain protected under the Constitution, while cautioning that anyone engaging in violence or destruction of property will face the full force of the law.