Activists have condemned increased security presence, restrictions on movement and intimidation of citizens exercising their constitutional rights during Saba Saba 2026 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.
The group expressed concern that the country was 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.
“We strongly condemn the continued brutality meted out against citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Instead of fostering dialogue and addressing legitimate public concerns, the State has increasingly resorted to intimidation, excessive security deployments, restrictions on movement, and actions that disrupt the livelihoods of hardworking Kenyans. These measures do not resolve the country’s challenges; they only deepen public mistrust and undermine democratic governance,” the lobby said.
The organisation also raised concern over reported enforced disappearances, saying at least five people who allegedly disappeared last month were still missing.
Some of the protesters who were arrested in Nairobi’s CBD. (Photo: Zainab Said)
“We are particularly alarmed that at least five victims of reported enforced disappearances from last month alone remain missing. Their families continue to endure unimaginable pain and uncertainty while waiting for answers from the authorities. Every passing day without credible information or transparent investigations compounds their suffering and erodes public confidence in state institutions,” it said.
“We demand a clear and public explanation regarding the whereabouts of all persons whose disappearances have been reported and immediate, independent investigations into every case.”
It emphasised that enforced disappearances, unlawful arrests and allegations of excessive use of force should not become accepted in a constitutional democracy, stressing that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to life, liberty, security and due process.
The movement also defended civil society organisations, grassroots human rights defenders, community justice centres, journalists and social movements against claims that they were responsible for the country’s challenges.
“They are not. These organisations play a vital role in documenting human rights violations, supporting victims, promoting civic education, and strengthening democratic accountability. Their work is essential to the protection of constitutional freedoms,” the group said.
According to the group, the main challenge facing the country is a culture of impunity within sections of the security sector, where allegations of abuse are often met with denial instead of investigations and accountability.
Plainclothes police officers arrest protesters in Nairobi’s CBD. (Photo: Zainab Said)
“The real crisis confronting Kenya is the persistent culture of impunity within sections of the security sector, where allegations of abuse are too often met with denial instead of independent investigations and accountability. No institution or public officer should be above the law. The credibility of our justice system depends on equal application of the law and meaningful accountability whenever violations occur,” reads the statement.
The group called on the government to disclose the whereabouts of all missing persons, carry out prompt and impartial investigations into reported enforced disappearances and unlawful killings, hold those responsible accountable through lawful processes, and restore full respect for the Constitution and the rule of law.
It also expressed solidarity with victims, survivors and families searching for missing loved ones.
“As we mark Saba Saba, we stand in solidarity with victims, survivors, and families still searching for their loved ones. We reaffirm that democracy cannot thrive where fear replaces freedom, where impunity replaces justice, and where accountability is sacrificed for political expediency,” SJCWG said.
“The missing must be accounted for. Justice must prevail. The rule of law must be restored.”
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