By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 7 July 2026 - Nairobi police have described this year's Saba Saba demonstrations as largely peaceful, saying only 10 people were arrested despite heightened security and concerns over possible unrest.
Speaking after the protests on Tuesday, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the majority of demonstrators exercised restraint, allowing businesses across much of the city to continue operating throughout the day.
"The conduct of the public today has reaffirmed that Kenya remains a nation guided by order, unity and mutual respect," Mohamud told journalists.
According to police, six suspects were arrested in Pangani, while four others were detained within the Central Business District.
"They will be charged with obstruction and other relevant offences. The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the freedom to assemble, picket and demonstrate. But the same freedom is not absolute and is guided by the Public Order Act," Mohamud said.
The police commander said the peaceful conduct of most protesters helped minimise disruption to economic activity in the capital.
"As you can see, about 80% of businesses remained open until this time," he said.
He reiterated that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to demonstrate, those freedoms must be exercised lawfully and without infringing on the rights of others.
"The right to assemble, demonstrate and picket is guaranteed under the Constitution and must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution," he added.
Mohamud also warned against individuals who exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal acts such as looting, vandalism and destruction of property.
"There must be order. If you love your country, you should uphold peace. Lakini kama unatafuta pesa kwa NGOs kuharibu mali ya watu, hiyo hatutakubali," he said.
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The commander further dismissed allegations linking police officers to abductions.
"And we don't do abductions; we are police officers. The whole day, we have been here," he said.
Police had mounted a large security operation across Nairobi ahead of the annual Saba Saba commemorations, deploying officers at strategic locations and setting up checkpoints on major roads leading into the Central Business District.
Authorities said the measures were informed by previous protests that were marked by violence, looting and destruction of property.
However, rights groups criticised the security operation, arguing that roadblocks, movement restrictions and a heavy police presence undermined citizens' constitutional freedoms.
In a statement, the Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCWG) said Saba Saba remains a symbol of Kenya's struggle for democracy and constitutional rights, but warned that recent actions by security agencies risk eroding public trust.
"These measures do not resolve the country's challenges; they only deepen public mistrust and undermine democratic governance," the group said.
The annual Saba Saba demonstrations commemorate the 7 July 1990 pro-democracy movement that pushed for the restoration of multiparty politics in Kenya. Police said investigations into the 10 arrests were ongoing.