Kenyans have been urged to take part in the Saba Saba March scheduled for July 7, 2026, in honour of victims of alleged killings and enforced disappearances and to demand accountability through peaceful and lawful means.
According to the Social Justice Centre Working Group (SJCWG), the mobilisation is meant to remember those who have lost their lives or gone missing while pushing for independent investigations into the cases.
The group said many families across the country are still searching for relatives who were allegedly abducted and never returned home, while others are mourning loved ones who are said to have been killed during police operations or in incidents that have raised concerns over the use of force.
The group emphasised that these families deserve truth, justice and proper investigations carried out under the law.
“As the country prepares for the #SabaSabaMarchForOurLives mobilisation, we are reminded that behind every statistic is a human life; a son, a daughter, a parent, a friend, or a neighbour whose future was cut short or whose whereabouts remain unknown. The campaign is not only a call for accountability but also a commitment to honour those who have lost their lives or disappeared under circumstances that demand transparent and independent investigation,” it said.
The group further stressed that the right to life, liberty and a fair hearing must always be protected, saying no person should be deprived of life or freedom outside due legal process regardless of allegations.
“Justice cannot be achieved through unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, or torture. A society governed by the rule of law must ensure that allegations of crime are addressed through independent investigations and fair judicial processes,” SJCWG said.
It also warned against describing victims as criminals without trial, saying such labels undermine justice and the presumption of innocence.
“It is also important to challenge narratives that seek to justify unlawful killings by branding victims as “goons,” “thugs,” or “criminals” without the benefit of a fair trial. Labels cannot replace evidence, and public opinion cannot substitute for the courts. The presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the group said.
The group added that public institutions remain accountable to citizens and that criticism of state agencies is part of democratic rights when done peacefully and within the law.
It reiterated that law enforcement agencies have the duty to protect lives, uphold rights, maintain public safety and respect human dignity.
The Saba Saba March for Our Lives, it says, is also aimed at standing with affected families and calling for justice through peaceful mobilisation.
Communities have been urged to share stories and photographs of those who have died or remain missing so that they are remembered as people with lives and families, not just statistics.
The group said remembrance is the starting point of justice while truth is the foundation of accountability, calling for continued advocacy for equal protection of the law for all.
The nationwide march is set for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 7:00 am under the theme “Our Lives Matter, Freedom, Dignity, Justice,” with organisers urging participation across the country under the message of peace and justice.
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