Rights Group Adjusts Signature Collection Schedule Ahead of Eidul Adha

By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter

Kenya, May 26, 2026 - The rights group Freekenya Movement has postponed its planned signature collection drive in Nairobi’s CBD, originally scheduled for tomorrow, due to the Eid-ul-Adha holiday.

In a notice addressed to sub-regional police commanders, Freekenya Movement General Secretary Nicholas Oyoo said the activities had been rescheduled to take place a day after the celebrations.

“Following our notification for this activity on 27th May 2026, we wish to notify your office of an adjustment to have the activity on 28th May 2026,” read part of the letter.

Oyoo said the decision followed feedback from Muslim supporters who noted that Wednesday would coincide with Eid-ul-Adha celebrations.

“This follows feedback from Muslim supporters who explained that Wednesday will be Eid-ul-Adha. We therefore have no option but to adjust our engagement accordingly. Our signature collection will now be done on 28th May 2026,” he said in a notice received by various police stations in Nairobi.

According to the Freekenya Movement, the daylong activity will focus on civic education and public participation under the Freekenya Initiative, which the group describes as a “people’s referendum” aimed at collecting one million signatures.

“To kick-start the activities, we shall engage members of Bunge la Mwananchi at Jeevanjee Gardens at 10:00am, followed by a press briefing to articulate the seven-point agenda of the Freekenya popular initiative,” Oyoo said.

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Among the issues the movement wants addressed through the proposed referendum is the removal of taxes on essential goods such as petrol, diesel and kerosene, alongside broader efforts to reduce the cost-of-living burden on citizens.

The movement is also pushing for governance reforms that would allow citizens to participate directly in decision-making through public town halls, transparent budgeting and community-driven development.

Freekenya further advocates for fair representation of youth, women, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities through direct electoral inclusion.

The group is also proposing electoral reforms, including the introduction of a secure electronic voting system, stronger electoral transparency measures, and protections to ensure independent commissions operate free from political and financial interference.

Additionally, the movement wants increased funding and greater financial independence for counties and county assemblies, including the separation of the Treasury from the Ministry of Finance to improve accountability and openness.