The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a warning to those planning to protest against attempting to access protected areas during Saba Saba Day on Monday, July 7, 2025.

In a statement late on Sunday, July 6, 2025, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga announced that any attempt to invade protected areas, which include Parliament and State House, will attract immediate legal action.

“Entering or attempting to access protected government installations or restricted areas is a violation of The Protected Areas Act, Cap 204 Laws of Kenya and shall attract immediate legal action,” the statement read in part.

Looting

At the same time, the police sounded an alarm over looting. With past protests having left businesses counting losses in the Central Business District (CBD), NPS made it clear that security officers will be vigilant to deal with looters infiltrating demonstrations.

“Looting, vandalism of any form and destruction of property, blocking roads, or even incitement to violence under the guise of protests shall not be tolerated. Such acts are criminal and shall be met with firm, lawful action by security agencies,” NPS spokesperson made it clear.

Provoking police

Muchiri also cautioned the public against provoking police during the Saba Saba march. NPS discouraged any form of confrontation and asked the public to conduct their march peacefully.

“The public is also cautioned against provoking police officers who by law are out on duty to maintain peace and order. Interference with law enforcement in any confrontational conduct undermines the rule of law and is a serious criminal offence. Such acts are unacceptable and shall be handled with the deserved seriousness.”

Muchiri made it clear that police will demonstrate professionalism during Saba Saba and appealed to the public to also hold the demos without interfering with other people’s businesses or causing chaos.

“NPS continues to uphold professionalism and restraint in discharging its duties. However, any form of riotous, unlawful or violent behaviour shall be met with the appropriate lawful force to preserve order and protect lives and property. We urge all Kenyans to remain peaceful and law-abiding, and to continue carrying out their obligations responsibly.”

Raila’s appeal

The police statement comes after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga appealed to Kenyans to gather at Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7, 2025, to mark the anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests.

Speaking to the press on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Raila said that Saba Saba Day is not a day for protests and demonstrations but a day to remember those who lost their lives fighting for Kenyans.

“Saba Saba was a very noble idea. Saba Saba was meant to bring the people together for a common cause, which was change, and we decided to go to Kamukunji grounds, which is a historical ground. This is where the last Kenyan African Union meeting was held in 1952 before the declaration of the state of emergency,” Raila said.

“Kamukunji has historical meaning, which is why we want to go there. If you want to remember Saba Saba, then we will go to Kamukunji. I always go to Kamukunji on Saba Saba Day to remember the people who lost their lives, so my idea would be we go to Kamukunji tomorrow, and if you are talking about protesting, where is this protest going to start, and where is it going to? My view would be that the road should lead to Kamukunji.”

Other groups are also expected to issue a way forward on how they plan to commemorate Saba Saba Day.

My stand on Saba Saba Day commemoration at Kamkunji Grounds- Nairobi pic.twitter.com/YpXOpyHRXe

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) July 6, 2025