President William Ruto’s administration faces another major test today as Gen Z activists have vowed to return to the streets, threatening the country’s economic and political stability.

The youth are expected to take over the streets in major towns, driven by anger, frustration, and what they see as betrayal by those in power.

They are calling it “Saba Saba”, borrowing the weight of a date that shook the political establishment in 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand greater democracy. This time, they say, it’s about justice, dignity, and survival.

Venue shut down

In Mombasa, protest organisers notified police of a peaceful march from Saba Saba to Mwembe Tayari through Fontanella, ending at Uhuru Gardens.

However, authorities have shut down the venue. In a letter to convener Bradley Ouna, Central Police Station Commander Sylvester Wambua claimed that criminals planned to infiltrate the procession and create chaos.

“In the interest of peace and stability of this coastal tourist town, we find that it is not advisable for you to hold the procession,” Wambua stated.

Despite the ban, the youth say they’re proceeding with the protest. In Homa Bay, the burial of slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang became a rallying point, with mourners turning into mobilisers.

“This Monday is not just a date,” declared activist Wangila Makokha. “It’s a cry for freedom. We’re tired of being taxed into poverty. We’re tired of leaders who point guns at us instead of protecting us. If you believe Kenya belongs to all of us, rise with us.”

Their message has spread rapidly on TikTok, WhatsApp, and Telegram groups. However, not everyone is convinced. Across the country, anxiety hangs in the air.

Economic impact

In Mombasa’s Kongowea market—one of the region’s busiest trading hubs—many vendors have already decided to stay home.

“If you’re buying vegetables today (Sunday), better get enough to last you past Monday,” said Elijah Kailikya, a trader in the vegetable section. “We won’t open.”

Patrick Zani, who sells pineapples nearby, agreed: “When protests are in town, transport stalls, customers disappear, and the risk of being caught in chaos is too high. We lose whether we open or not.”

The Motorists Association of Kenya has stepped in, issuing demands to the government. In a statement, the association reminded authorities that protests are not a privilege but a constitutional right under Article 37.

They want police to protect rather than endanger demonstrators, shops to remain untouched, roads to stay open, and tear gas canisters to stay sealed. They pointed to the June 25 protests, which they say were violently shut down by police using brute force and deploying plain-clothed infiltrators.

“Instead of protecting citizens, the police became the threat. Roads were barricaded without warning. Transport collapsed. Shops closed. It was madness,” the statement read.

The protest calls have triggered unease in schools as well. Across several counties, institutions have sent messages to parents advising them to keep children at home, saying safety cannot be guaranteed.

“We encourage you to keep your children at home and safe. We appreciate your understanding,” read one notice from a Nairobi school.

Education stakeholders are growing increasingly concerned. Ndung’u Wangenye, national secretary of the Education Stakeholders Association of Kenya, said constant disruptions are hurting learning, especially under the new CBC curriculum.

“Parents are again receiving texts telling them not to send kids to school. It happened during the June protests. It’s happening again. This cycle can’t continue.”

Business leaders’ concerns

Business leaders are equally rattled. Former Coast Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry boss James Kitavi said: “You close for a day, and it’s a day of zero income. But rent doesn’t wait. KRA doesn’t pause PAYE. This isn’t sustainable.”

Nevertheless, Kitavi believes the pain on the streets points to deeper wounds that cannot be ignored. “These young people are right. There are no jobs, no capital, no real opportunities. You can’t throw tear gas at that. The government must listen. These are their children, and they’re speaking out.”

He sees the solution not in force, but in conversation—real, painful, honest dialogue. “If youth don’t earn, businesses bleed. If businesses bleed, the government loses revenue. Even the boda guy doesn’t make a coin. Everything’s connected.”

Kitavi warns that Kenya’s economy is walking a tightrope globally as well.

“Iran is one of our top tea buyers. If things flare up between Iran and Israel, our exports will take a hit. As we look at the street, let’s not ignore what’s happening beyond our borders.”

Calls for peace

In Mombasa, a section of women led by Mama Warda on Saturday urged the youth to hold back.

“We don’t have another country. We must protect what we have. Let’s preach peace,” she said.

In Migori, the clergy and grassroots movement Bunge la Wananchi are urging young people to think twice before taking to the streets. During a joint forum, Bishop Essau Jobando argued that Saba Saba’s original mission – to open up democratic space – had already been achieved.

“We need progress now, not confrontation,” he said.

Charles Osewe of Bunge la Wananchi assured Migori residents that no property would be damaged and insisted that anyone protesting must have a legitimate reason.

“You don’t protest for the sake of it,” he said. “Let’s act with intention.”

Back in Nairobi, the Matatu Workers Union yesterday instructed all its members across the country to withdraw from service today, citing increasing insecurity and loss of property during recent demonstrations, particularly ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba protests.

Additional reporting by David Macharia.