Police arrested 10 people in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Tuesday after a planned Saba Saba procession was stopped before it could begin, as security officers and human rights activists clashed over the legality of the demonstrations.
The activists had planned to march from Jeevanjee Gardens to Parliament to deliver a petition seeking justice and compensation for victims affected during last year’s Saba Saba protests.
However, the gathering was disrupted after police sealed off key sections of the city centre and deployed heavily around the intended meeting point.
Several demonstrators were detained as officers moved in to disperse the group before they could begin the procession.
Witnesses said some protesters were forcibly restrained and bundled into police vehicles despite insisting the march was meant to be peaceful.
“I was one of them. I was pinned down but managed to escape. The court had issued orders to the police, yet people have been arrested and put into Subaru vehicles,” said activist Nyanjom Joshua.
“If you can see what has happened today, people have been arrested contrary to their rights,” said activist Sayialel Mankuyio.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja defended the operation, maintaining that the demonstrations did not meet the legal requirements because police had not received prior notification from the organisers.
He said officers acted within the law to maintain public order. “Where the rights of others start doesn’t mean the end for others,” said Kanja.
Activists maintained that they had intended to conduct a peaceful procession before presenting their petition to Parliament.
They argued that the heavy police deployment prevented them from exercising their constitutional right to assemble and express their grievances.
“The city has been cordoned off from all areas,” said James Mulamba.
“We had planned to start at Jevanjee, but police had been deployed there in large numbers,” said Nyanjom Joshua.
The petition the group intended to submit calls on Parliament to establish a joint committee involving the National Assembly and Senate to investigate alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and claims of excessive use of force by police during recent demonstrations.
It also seeks a framework to support victims through compensation, witness protection and access to justice, while recommending legal and institutional reforms.
The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing debate over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens.
