Tension Rises Ahead of Saba Saba as Kenyan Government Issues Warning Over Monday Protests

As Kenya braces for fresh waves of nationwide protests on Saba Saba Day (July 7), the Ministry of Trade and Industry has issued a stern warning, cautioning that recurring demonstrations could have dire consequences on the country’s already fragile economy. 

The protests, organized by the National Alternative Alliance (NAA), aim to pressure President William Ruto to address widespread public grievances, including claims of corruption, mismanagement, and economic despair. 

The protests are meant to commemorate Saba Saba Day, which historically marks the struggle for multiparty democracy and the end of authoritarian rule under President Daniel Arap Moi in 1990. 

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, July 5, Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui urged Kenyans to consider the broader implications of these demonstrations.  

He warned that the protests, while constitutionally protected, have increasingly been hijacked by criminal elements, resulting in business closures, looting, and destruction of property. 

“The exercise of this right must not be hijacked by criminal elements, but unfortunately, this has become a trend. Business owners live in fear of victimization and the potential for violence,” said CS Kinyanjui. 

“The cost of shutting down businesses for days to accommodate protests makes Kenya seem unreliable and a dangerous place to invest in. I doubt any right-thinking Kenyan would advocate for such outcomes.” 

The sentiment is echoed by many Nairobi business owners, some of whom were captured on video reinforcing their premises ahead of the July 7 protests, fearing a repeat of the looting and economic losses witnessed during the July 25 demonstrations last month. 

The National Police Service (NPS) has also responded to the rising tension. On Thursday, July 3, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga clarified that the police had not received any formal notification of the planned protests.  

He warned that any demonstrations conducted without official clearance may lead to chaos, injuries, and property destruction. 

“Before I address the matter, I want to clarify that we have not received any formal application for the protests. We will release our statement once we receive an official application,” said Nyaga. 

Despite these warnings, the National Alternative Alliance remains defiant. In a statement on Wednesday, July 2, the group vowed to move forward with the protests, accusing the Ruto administration of failing to govern effectively. 

“We are going to organise protests to commemorate Saba Saba Day because Kenyans are angry about how Ruto is governing this country. There is nothing that is working except corruption,” stated the Alliance. 

With the country on edge, and businesses, law enforcement, and political groups all preparing for Monday’s protests, the coming days could prove critical in shaping Kenya’s socio-political and economic direction.