Kenya's Saba Saba Day, commemorated annually on July 7th, is a date intrinsically linked to the nation's struggle for democracy and fundamental freedoms. This year, however, the spirit of remembrance was overshadowed by a palpable sense of tension and a stark warning from the Ministry of Interior. Ahead of the day's expected demonstrations, the Ministry took to its official X (formerly Twitter) account to outline the types of "offenders" it anticipated during protests, signaling a heightened security posture and a zero-tolerance approach to disruption.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen led the charge, emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property. "We are fully committed to protecting the lives and property of all Kenyans, even as some exercise their rights to demonstrate, picket, and petition public authorities rightfully as enshrined in our Constitution," Murkomen stated. He further warned that "Our security agencies are on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property." This declaration set a clear tone for the day, prioritizing public order amidst the constitutional right to protest.
What truly captured public attention, however, was the Ministry's highly specific categorization of the "goons" it expected to encounter. These warnings were accompanied by stylized illustrations, vividly depicting the archetypes of disruption:
The Stone Specialist: Portrayed as a figure in a hooded jacket and face mask, clutching a rock, this individual was described as being "at the front line with a fist full of stones and eyes locked on their target. Quick on their feet and deadly accurate, they turn pavements into weapons." This imagery directly echoed the reality of the June 2024 unrest, triggered by the Finance Bill, where stones were indeed a prevalent weapon in clashes between protesters and police. The Ministry's emphasis on stones highlighted their accessibility as an improvised weapon for unarmed individuals aiming to cause damage.
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The Molotov Guy: A chilling illustration depicted a hooded, masked figure holding a Molotov cocktail and a lighter, accompanied by the stark warning: "With a bottle in one hand and a lighter in the other, he’s here to burn everything to the ground. Stay cautious." This archetype directly alluded to the dramatic and destructive events of June 25, 2024, when protesters stormed and partially set ablaze the Kenyan Parliament building in Nairobi, marking a severe escalation in protest violence.
The Panga Man: Perhaps the most unsettling archetype, the "Panga Man" was depicted as a menacing figure in the middle of a road, gripping a panga (machete). This term recently gained notoriety during protests in Nakuru's London Estate, where a Ugandan national, Hassan Mtimkavu, was famously filmed defiantly wielding a panga against anti-riot police following a fatal shooting during a police operation. The Ministry's warning underscored the threat of crude weapons in escalating street confrontations.
The Plank Carrier: While not officially termed a "goon" by the Ministry, the "plank carrier" gained prominence through social media visuals of individuals wielding wooden planks. These have been interpreted by some as symbols of resistance or makeshift defense against law enforcement, reflecting the broader struggle between citizens and state authorities. This archetype emerged within the context of a Ministry of Interior video released on June 29, 2025, which controversially labeled recent demonstrations as "Gen Z Madness" and "Violent Protests," drawing backlash for allegedly downplaying grievances and omitting instances of police brutality.
These warnings from the Ministry of Interior unfolded against a backdrop of significant human cost from recent protests. The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) reported that during the June 25 demonstrations, 19 people were confirmed dead, 531 injured, and 15 cases of enforced disappearances were documented, highlighting the severe consequences when protests turn violent.
