Seven Arrested in Nairobi as Police Disrupt Protests
At least seven individuals have been arrested in Nairobi following a heavy police deployment aimed at preventing demonstrations to mark the annual Saba Saba commemoration.
Security operatives were stationed across key locations in the city, including areas around Archives and Wabera Street, where groups attempting to gather were dispersed. Both uniformed and plainclothes officers conducted patrols on foot and in vehicles to restrict movement and block any organised protests.
Witnesses reported the presence of multiple police vehicles circulating within the city centre, alongside checkpoints set up to limit access to strategic areas. As a result, many businesses remained closed throughout the day.
Despite the heightened security, Siaya Governor James Orengo briefly addressed journalists, describing Saba Saba as a significant day in Kenya’s democratic history and expressing concern over the restrictions placed on public gatherings.
Elsewhere, a separate group assembled at All Saints Cathedral in anticipation of a planned march, but security personnel maintained a strong presence to prevent escalation.
Authorities warned that individuals involved in unlawful activities would face legal consequences.
Saba Saba, observed annually on July 7, commemorates pro-democracy protests held in 1990, when activists and political leaders demanded multi-party reforms. The event remains a symbolic moment in Kenya’s political history, often accompanied by demonstrations and increased security measures.
