Organisers of the planned Saba Saba Day demonstrations have formally notified the National Police Service of their intention to hold a peaceful public assembly, procession and petition to Parliament on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, in accordance with Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya.
The notice, submitted by petitioner Francis Awino, National Convenor of Mtetezi (Grassroots Economic Justice Movement), states that the planned assembly is being organised in line with Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.
According to the notice dated 5 July 2026, participants will assemble at Jeevanjee Gardens from 8:00 a.m. before beginning a peaceful procession at 9:00 a.m. through Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Parliament Buildings, where a petition will be presented 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 states in the notice.
The notification was addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, the Officer Commanding Police Division (Central) and the Officer Commanding Station, Central Police Station.
Organisers estimate that between 1,000 and 3,000 participants—including members of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, youth groups, religious organisations, professionals, students and other members of the public—will take part.
According to Awino, the petition seeks parliamentary intervention over allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the excessive use of force by security agencies. It also calls for stronger police accountability, enhanced oversight mechanisms and greater protection of constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The petition further urges Parliament to review existing laws, strengthen accountability institutions, establish appropriate oversight mechanisms and undertake any legislative measures necessary to safeguard constitutional rights.
The organisers pledged that the demonstration would remain peaceful, orderly and unarmed, with volunteer marshals deployed to assist with coordination and crowd management throughout the event.
“Participants shall remain peaceful, orderly and unarmed throughout the procession and presentation of the petition,” the notice states.
The organisers also committed to cooperating fully with the National Police Service in maintaining public order and public safety.
Awino further appealed to the National Police Service to facilitate the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights by providing adequate security and traffic management throughout 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.
The notice is signed by Francis Awino in his capacity as National Convenor of Mtetezi (Grassroots Economic Justice Movement). Copies were also forwarded 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).
Saba Saba, observed annually on 7 July, commemorates the historic pro-democracy protests of 1990, when Kenyans took to the streets to demand the restoration of multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and greater political freedoms.
Over the years, the day has evolved into a platform through which citizens and civil society organisations peacefully raise concerns about governance, human rights and other matters of national importance.
