NAIROBI — The Motorists Association of Kenya has called on the police to uphold constitutional freedoms and exercise restraint ahead of the Saba Saba protests scheduled for July 7.
In a strongly worded statement issued Saturday, the association warned against a repeat of the police response seen during the June 25 demonstrations, which marked one year since the Gen Z protests began. The group cited widespread violence, police aggression, and the disruption of essential services as clear violations of citizens’ rights.
“What the country witnessed on June 25 was a disgrace,” the statement read. “Peaceful protests were violently disrupted. Instead of protecting life and property, the police became the threat.”
The association reminded the government that Article 37 of Kenya’s Constitution protects the right to assemble and protest peacefully. It urged law enforcement to facilitate that right, not treat it as a criminal act.
During the June 25 protest, multiple roads were sealed off and public transportation was halted in key parts of Nairobi and other cities. The disruption left thousands stranded, with many unable to access hospitals, workplaces, or return home safely. The association also cited verified reports of assault, robbery, and harassment of civilians.
To prevent a repeat of that chaos, the group has demanded the implementation of clear security protocols. It called for the protection of public and private transport, uninterrupted access to roads, and professional conduct by officers deployed to monitor the demonstrations.
“We are asking for responsible policing,” the statement added. “Let the police prove they are a service and not a force.”
The association also urged the government to follow through on public assurances that businesses and daily life would not be disrupted during future protests. It emphasized the need for secure environments where peaceful demonstrators, bystanders, and motorists are not endangered by security operations.
Among the specific requests outlined were:
- Safe and unimpeded passage for peaceful protesters
- Protection of shops, homes, and transport hubs
- End to arbitrary arrests and use of excessive force
- Neutral and non-provocative behavior by police
The call comes as organizers prepare for the annual Saba Saba demonstrations, a protest day historically tied to the struggle for multi-party democracy in Kenya. This year’s march is expected to attract large crowds pushing for economic reforms, accountability, and human rights.
As tensions remain high, the Motorists Association urged all parties to act within the law and prioritize the safety and dignity of every Kenyan.
