Organisers of the planned peaceful Saba Saba demonstration have formally notified the National Police Service of their intention to hold a public assembly, procession and petition to Parliament on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. They issued the notice in accordance with Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Francis Awino, National Convenor of Mtetezi (Grassroots Economic Justice Movement), submitted the notice. He said the organisers would exercise their constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and without weapons.
Procession route and schedule
According to the notice dated July 5, 2026, participants will gather at Jeevanjee Gardens from 8:00 a.m. The peaceful procession will begin at 9:00 a.m. and move through Nairobi’s Central Business District to Parliament Buildings.
Once they arrive, organisers will present a petition to the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate.
“The procession is intended to exercise the constitutional right guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution to present a petition to Parliament concerning matters of significant national public interest,” Awino said in the notice.
Expected attendance
The organisers addressed the notice to the Inspector General of Police, the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, the Officer Commanding Police Division (Central), and the Officer Commanding Station at Central Police Station.
They expect between 1,000 and 3,000 participants. The group will include civil society organisations, human rights defenders, youth groups, religious organisations, professionals, students and members of the public.
Issues raised in the petition
The petition asks Parliament to address allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and excessive use of force by security agencies.
It also calls on lawmakers to strengthen police accountability, improve oversight mechanisms and protect constitutional rights and the rule of law.
In addition, the organisers urge Parliament to review existing laws, strengthen accountability institutions and introduce any legislative measures needed to safeguard constitutional rights.
Organisers promise a peaceful demonstration
The organisers pledged to conduct the Saba Saba demonstration peacefully and in an orderly manner. They also confirmed that participants will remain unarmed throughout the event.
Volunteer marshals will help coordinate the procession and assist with crowd management.
“Participants shall remain peaceful, orderly, and unarmed throughout the procession and presentation of the petition,” the notice states.
Appeal to the National Police service
Awino urged the National Police Service to support the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights. He asked the police to provide adequate security and manage traffic during the demonstration.
“We respectfully request the National Police Service to facilitate the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights by providing appropriate security and traffic management throughout the event,” the notice reads.
Awino signed the notice in his capacity as National Convenor of Mtetezi (Grassroots Economic Justice Movement).
The organisers also sent copies to the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Why Saba Saba matters
Kenyans observe Saba Saba every year on July 7. The day commemorates the historic pro-democracy protests of 1990, when citizens demanded the restoration of multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and greater political freedoms.
Today, Saba Saba remains an important platform for citizens and civil society groups. Many use the occasion to raise concerns about governance, human rights and other national issues through peaceful public participation.
