Human rights groups in Kenya have confirmed plans for the Saba Saba 2026 demonstrations, set for Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

The march will take place under the theme “March for Our Lives” and will focus on demands to end enforced disappearances, abductions, and alleged police brutality.

The Social Justice Centres Working Group and allied organisations issued a public notice calling on supporters to gather from 7:00 am nationwide in various towns and cities. Organisers expect between 1,000 and 3,000 people to take part in the procession.

The groups say they want the government to act on reports of extrajudicial killings, excessive use of force, and enforced disappearances. They also want stronger oversight of the police service and full respect for constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37.

“Our democracy is not complete while our people are disappearing,” the campaign poster reads. It adds a direct message: “No more silence. No more fear. No more impunity.”

Organisers also asked police to provide security and manage traffic during the march. They said their aim is to deliver a petition peacefully and avoid disruption to daily activity in the city.

Saba Saba historical context

The Saba Saba protests take place every year on July 7, to mark the historic 1990 pro-democracy movement that pushed Kenya towards multi-party democracy. Activists say the day remains relevant because many of the same issues – including accountability, police conduct, and civic freedoms – remain unresolved.

Supporters of the 2026 march have linked their demands to recent human rights concerns. In a post on social media, Kamukunji Human Rights Defenders said they would join the demonstration and called for an end to police abuse of power.

“We will be there. Stop police abuse of power,” the group posted.

Last year’s Saba Saba protests in July 2025 still shape public debate. Human rights organisations reported widespread violence during those demonstrations. According to monitoring groups, at least 38 people died and more than 500 were injured across multiple counties. Several reports also documented the use of live ammunition in residential areas, arrests of protesters, and allegations of enforced disappearances.

A joint statement by the Police Reforms Working Group later called for accountability and independent investigations into the incidents. The group urged state agencies to respect the Constitution and protect the right to peaceful protest.

This history has increased tension ahead of the 2026 march. Civil society groups insist they will maintain discipline and avoid confrontation. They say they want to honour Saba Saba’s legacy while demanding reforms to protect human rights.