The National Police Service (NPS) has announced enhanced security checkpoints across Nairobi on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, ahead of the annual Saba Saba Day commemorations.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 6, 2026, the service said the measures were informed by previous experiences at the annual event, during which demonstrations disrupted normal business and public order in parts of the city.

“The National Police Service wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of experience during the Sabasaba commemoration, which is usually observed on 7 July, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” the statement read.

The police said the checkpoints would be mounted on various roads within Nairobi to regulate both human and vehicular movement.

Security measures

According to the NPS, the enhanced security operation is intended to maintain peace and order during the commemorations.

Members of the public were urged to cooperate with officers at the checkpoints to facilitate the exercise.

“As a security measure, there will be enhanced police checkpoints on various roads within Nairobi city tomorrow, 7 July 2026, to control both human and vehicular movement,” read the statement in part.

The service also cautioned against unlawful activities, saying, “Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law.”

Planned demonstrations

The security announcement comes as the Social Justice Centres Working Group and other civil society organisations prepare for demonstrations under the theme “March for Our Lives.”

Organisers have asked supporters to gather from 7.00 am in Nairobi and other towns. They say the march seeks to draw attention to enforced disappearances, abductions, police brutality, extrajudicial killings and the use of force during demonstrations.

The groups have also called for stronger police oversight and respect for constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37.

Campaign materials circulated ahead of the demonstrations carry messages including: “Our democracy is not complete while our people are disappearing,” and “No more silence. No more fear. No more impunity.”

The organisers have appealed to the police to provide security and manage traffic, saying the procession and delivery of their petition will be peaceful.

Saba Saba significance

Saba Saba Day commemorates the pro-democracy protests of July 7, 1990, which played a key role in Kenya’s push for multiparty democracy.

Ahead of 2026 anniversary, Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli appealed for calm, urging Kenyans to pursue change through the ballot instead of street protests.

Speaking in Siaya on July 5, 2026, Atwoli called on residents of Western Kenya to keep off the demonstrations, saying peaceful democratic processes offer the best path to resolving political differences.

Security agencies are expected to maintain a heightened presence across Nairobi as the commemorations and planned demonstrations get underway on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.