By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, July 7 ,2026 - Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the immediate release of people arrested during this year's Saba Saba demonstrations, arguing that peaceful protest is a constitutional right that should not attract criminal sanctions.
In a statement marking the 36th anniversary of the Saba Saba movement, Kalonzo said the arrests undermined the democratic freedoms secured through the struggle for multiparty democracy.
"I therefore call for the immediate and unconditional release of every Kenyan arrested today while peacefully exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate. Peaceful protest is not a crime. It is a right expressly guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution," he said.
Kalonzo paid tribute to the pioneers of the 7 July 1990 pro-democracy movement, including Raila Odinga, Kenneth Matiba, Masinde Muliro, Charles Rubia, Martin Shikuku and James Orengo, saying their sacrifices paved the way for the repeal of Section 2A and the return of multiparty democracy.
"Their courage and sacrifice forced the repeal of Section 2A, reopening the path to multiparty democracy. To the pioneers of Saba Saba, we say: Kenya remembers you, and we honour their sacrifices."
He said today's generation of young Kenyans was continuing that legacy by demanding accountability and exercising rights protected under the Constitution.
"When our young people march peacefully, they are not lawbreakers. They are Kenyans exercising a constitutional right that their elders bled for."
The former Vice President also criticised the heavy security deployment witnessed during the demonstrations, saying roadblocks and increased police presence interfered with citizens' constitutional freedoms.
He further raised concerns over reports of masked and plain-clothes officers allegedly arresting protesters using unmarked vehicles.
"This is not policing. This is intimidation in service of a regime that fears its own people," Kalonzo said.
He urged the National Police Service to uphold its constitutional mandate and called for disciplinary action against officers found to have violated citizens' rights during the demonstrations.
"I remind the National Police Service of its own motto: 'Utumishi Kwa Wote', Service to All. Not service to an individual or a political administration, but service to Kenya, to her Constitution, and to every Kenyan who calls this country home."
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Kalonzo also pledged that an opposition government would implement wide-ranging police reforms if elected in the 2027 General Election, including independent investigations into alleged abductions and deaths in custody.
His remarks came hours after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud described the Saba Saba protests in the capital as largely peaceful, saying only 10 people were arrested during the demonstrations.
According to Mohamud, six suspects were arrested in Pangani while four others were detained within the Central Business District.
"The conduct of the public today has reaffirmed that Kenya remains a nation guided by order, unity and mutual respect. We apprehended only 10 people—six in the Pangani area and four within the Central Police Station," he said.
The police commander said about 80 per cent of businesses in Nairobi remained open during the demonstrations and reiterated that while the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and protest, those freedoms must be exercised within the law.
"The right to assemble, demonstrate and picket is guaranteed under the Constitution and must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution," Mohamud said.
He also warned that police would take action against anyone involved in looting, vandalism or destruction of property during demonstrations, while dismissing allegations that officers were involved in abductions.
"And we don't do abductions; we are police officers. The whole day, we have been here," he said.