10 arrested in Nairobi as police clamp down on Saba Saba protests

Some of the protesters who were arrested in Nairobi’s CBD. (Photo: Zainab Said)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Tuesday, July 7, 2026

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Six of those detained were picked up in Pangani while the remaining four were arrested in the Central Business District (CBD).

A total of 10 people were arrested in Nairobi on Tuesday during Saba Saba protests, as security officers moved to contain demonstrations in parts of the capital.

According to Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud, six of those detained were picked up in Pangani while the remaining four were arrested in the Central Business District (CBD).

“They will be charged for obstruction and other relevant offences. The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the freedom to assemble, picket and demonstrate. But the same freedom is not absolute and is guided by the Public Order Act," said Issa at a press briefing.

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The deployment formed part of a wider security operation mounted ahead of the annual Saba Saba commemorations, with multi-agency teams stationed in key areas across Nairobi. Checkpoints were also established on major routes leading into the CBD, disrupting traffic.

According to police, the heightened security measures were informed by previous Saba Saba events, which authorities linked to incidents of violence, looting and disruption of business operations.

Activists have since condemned the increased security presence, restrictions on movement and intimidation of citizens exercising their constitutional rights during the commemorations, warning that such actions deepen public mistrust and undermine democratic governance.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCWG) said Saba Saba remains an important reminder of the fight for democracy, constitutionalism and the protection of fundamental rights, but expressed concern that many Kenyans continue to face violations while exercising their constitutional freedoms.

According to the group, Kenya is still facing many of the same human rights concerns that inspired the struggle for multiparty democracy decades ago, calling for accountability over enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests and alleged abuse by security agencies.

“These measures do not resolve the country’s challenges; they only deepen public mistrust and undermine democratic governance,” the lobby said.