As the country braces for the highly anticipated Saba Saba Day protests, the National Police Service (NPS) has issued a firm warning to demonstrators, calling for peaceful conduct and adherence to the law amid heightened tensions and fears of violence.
In a strongly worded statement released late Sunday, the NPS cautioned that any protesters found armed would be dealt with “as per the law,” underscoring a zero-tolerance stance on any form of violence or illegality during the demonstrations.
The service further warned that individuals attempting to breach restricted zones—including high-security installations like Parliament and State House—would face immediate legal consequences.
“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 signed by police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga read.
This warning follows disturbing incidents of looting and destruction in previous protests, with goons reportedly breaking into business premises in Nairobi and other major towns.
In response, the NPS has vowed to take “stern action” against any form of vandalism, road blockades, or incitement to violence, labeling such activities as criminal.
“The police will not tolerate looting, vandalism of any form, destruction of property, or acts of incitement under the guise of protests,” the statement continued.
While addressing the public, the NPS also urged citizens not to provoke law enforcement officers who are “lawfully carrying out their delegated duties.”
At the same time, police officers have been instructed to uphold professionalism in handling protest-related operations—an effort to rehabilitate the force’s public image following mounting allegations of police brutality.
Despite the police’s public assurances, chaos gripped Nairobi on Monday morning as major roads were brought to a standstill by police roadblocks, frustrating thousands of commuters.
Key arteries such as Thika Road (at Roysambu, Kasarani, and Guri Nanak), Mombasa Road (at GM and Bunyala Roundabouts), and the Eastern Bypass (at 75 Roundabout) were among the most heavily affected.
The deployment of these roadblocks has sparked further controversy, as it directly contradicts a court order explicitly barring the erection of such obstructions ahead of the protests.
The move has led to growing tensions between law enforcement and civil society groups, with rights activists accusing the police of attempting to suppress constitutionally protected demonstrations under the pretext of maintaining order.
As Saba Saba Day unfolds, the country remains on high alert, with businesses scaling down operations and residents bracing for potential unrest.
All eyes are now on both protesters and the police, as Kenyans hope for a peaceful exercise of democratic rights without descending into chaos.
