Organisers of the planned Saba Saba Day demonstrations have formally notified the National Police Service of a peaceful march to Parliament on Tuesday to present a petition on police accountability and the protection of constitutional rights.
In a notice dated July 5, Francis Awino, National Convenor of Mtetezi (Grassroots Economic Justice Movement), informed police that participants will gather at Jeevanjee Gardens from 8 a.m. before setting off at 9 a.m. through Nairobi's Central Business District to Parliament Buildings.
The organisers said the procession is intended to commemorate Saba Saba Day while exercising the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and to petition Parliament, as provided under Articles 37 and 119 of the Constitution.
"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.
According to the notice, the petition raises concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the excessive use of force by security agencies. It also calls for stronger police accountability, enhanced oversight mechanisms and legislative measures to safeguard constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law.
"The petition requests Parliament to establish appropriate oversight mechanisms, review existing laws, strengthen accountability institutions, and undertake such legislative measures as may be necessary to safeguard constitutional rights," the notice read.
The organisers expect between 1,000 and 3,000 participants, including representatives from civil society organisations, human rights groups, youth organisations, religious bodies, professional associations, students and members of the public.
They said the demonstration will remain peaceful and orderly, with volunteer marshals deployed to coordinate participants and help manage crowds.
"Participants shall remain peaceful, orderly, and unarmed throughout the procession and presentation of the petition," the notice states.
Awino also urged the National Police Service to facilitate the demonstration by providing adequate security and traffic management.
"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," he said.
Copies of the notice were also sent 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 July 7, commemorates the pro-democracy protests of 1990 that called for the restoration of multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and greater political freedoms.
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