The 2025 commemoration of Saba Saba Day, traditionally a poignant reminder of Kenya’s hard-won democratic freedoms, unfolded under an unprecedented cloud of state-imposed restrictions and palpable tension. Despite explicit government declarations that Monday, July 7, 2025, was a regular working day for all, including civil servants, the reality on the ground told a different story: a city in gridlock, marked by major roadblocks, stranded travelers, bonfires, arrests, and the pervasive sting of teargas.
From the early hours of what was described as a "slow and cold morning," residents found themselves navigating a maze of police barricades. Key roads leading into and within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) were cordoned off, effectively blocking entry and forcing countless commuters to abandon public transport and walk long distances to their workplaces. This deliberate disruption, a visible manifestation of heightened security deployment, was a stark juxtaposition to the government's official stance of business as usual.
The National Police Service (NPS) had, in the days leading up to Saba Saba, issued stern warnings against any form of unlawful conduct. Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, in a comprehensive press statement, stressed that any deviation from lawful protest would be met with "firm and appropriate action." The directives were explicit:
No Interference with Protected Installations: Nyaga warned against any attempts to "access or interfere with protected government installations," citing the Protected Areas Act as grounds for immediate legal action. This was a clear reference to recent incidents where protestors had breached such perimeters.
Zero Tolerance for Criminal Offenses: "Looting, property destruction, road blockades, and incitement to violence are criminal offenses that would be dealt with swiftly and lawfully," the spokesperson reiterated, outlining the boundaries of acceptable protest.
Professionalism and Force: While assuring the public that police officers would "conduct themselves professionally," Nyaga concurrently stated that "any riotous or violent behavior would be met with lawful force aimed at protecting people and property." This dual message highlighted the delicate and often contentious balance between facilitating peaceful assembly and suppressing perceived disorder.
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No Provocation: Crucially, Nyaga advised the public "not to provoke police officers on duty" and emphasized that "confrontational behavior toward law enforcement will not be tolerated and would be dealt with harshly."
Despite these stringent warnings and the extensive show of force, pockets of demonstrations emerged. While many residents remained indoors, a significant number chose to venture out, attempting to exercise their constitutional rights to protest. These demonstrations reflected deep-seated frustrations over a range of critical national issues, including governance shortcomings, persistent police brutality, and an alarming rise in abductions, particularly targeting youth activists. The public's defiance in the face of state deterrence underscored the intensity of these grievances.
