The National Police Service (NPS) has announced heightened security measures across Nairobi ahead of the Saba Saba commemoration on Tuesday, saying officers will mount checkpoints on major roads to regulate the movement of people and vehicles as authorities seek to maintain order across the city.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NPS said the measures were informed by previous Saba Saba commemorations, which it said had at times resulted in breaches of the peace that disrupted normal business activities for people not participating in demonstrations.
The service said enhanced police checkpoints would be set up on various roads across Nairobi throughout the day to monitor both pedestrian and vehicular movement as part of the security arrangements.
"The National Police Service wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of past experience during the Sabasaba commemoration, which is usually observed on 7 July, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations," the statement said.
Police appealed to residents and motorists to cooperate with officers deployed at the checkpoints to ensure the security operations proceed smoothly while maintaining peace and order across the city.
"Members of the public are urged to obey and cooperate with the National Police Service to ensure that peace and order prevail," the statement said.
The service also warned that anyone found engaging in unlawful activities during the period would face legal action.
"Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law," the statement added.
The announcement comes amid growing attention over planned Saba Saba protests circulating on social media, with calls for demonstrations expected in parts of Nairobi and other towns.
Police have maintained that July 7 remains a normal working day and said no individual or organisation has formally notified authorities of plans to hold demonstrations, as required under the Public Order Act.
Speaking to journalists, Nairobi Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had not received any official notification from organisers seeking to stage protests in the capital.
He said officers only became aware of the planned demonstrations through social media posts and noted that no legal notices, as required before public gatherings, had been submitted.
"Tomorrow is a normal working day," Mohamud said. "It is a requirement in the Public Order Act that we should be notified, and we have not received notification from any quarters. Even neighbouring counties have not received the same... claims of a protest tomorrow remain allegations," he added.
The heightened security deployment follows a series of demonstrations in different parts of the country that have, on several occasions, disrupted transport, business operations and access to public services. Some protests have also resulted in confrontations between demonstrators and police, leading to arrests, property destruction and injuries.
Authorities say the enhanced checkpoints are intended to regulate movement into and around Nairobi while enabling security officers to respond quickly to any incidents that may threaten public order.
Motorists travelling into the city have been advised to expect security screening at entry points and to allow extra travel time because of the checkpoints.
The public has also been urged to carry identification documents where necessary and comply with lawful instructions issued by officers on duty.
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