By Martin Masai
The Anchor, Nairobi, July 6, 2025
theanchormedia.org

Kenya braces for widespread demonstrations on Saba Saba Day, July 7, amid heightened public anger and a volatile security atmosphere, following deadly protests that rocked the country last month.

A security advisory issued by G4S Kenya warns of significant disruptions across urban centres as civil unrest gains momentum in the wake of unresolved grievances and recent police violence.

The upcoming protests are expected to echo the tragic events of June 25, when at least 16 people were reportedly killed and hundreds injured during countrywide demonstrations that marked the first anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests. The anger has been further stoked by the recent deaths of Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died in police custody, and Boniface Kariuki, a hawker fatally shot during the June 17 demonstrations.

Ojwang’s burial on July 4 sparked the storming and burning of Mawego Police Station, where he was initially detained. This act signals a sharp escalation in public defiance and the increasing targeting of state institutions by demonstrators.

Saba Saba Day, traditionally a commemoration of the 1990 push for multi-party democracy, has evolved into an annual rallying cry for human rights and constitutional reform, often led by youth and grassroots movements. This year’s protest carries the added fuel of perceived government intransigence, especially after Interior Cabinet Secretary’s controversial characterization of the June 25 unrest as an “attempted coup.”

The G4S advisory highlights that road closures and business disruptions are likely in major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Kisii, Meru, Embu, Thika, Nyeri, and Eldoret. Heavy police presence is expected in protest-prone zones, while key government installations and police stations are marked as potential flashpoints.

Organizations are urged to review emergency protocols, enable remote work, and maintain robust communication lines. The public is advised to avoid protest areas and remain vigilant amid the rapidly evolving situation.

G4S emphasizes that the current environment remains dynamic and unpredictable, urging all stakeholders to prioritize safety and operational continuity.

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