Organisers of the planned peaceful Saba Saba Day demonstrations have formally notified the National Police Service of their intention to hold a peaceful public assembly, procession and petition to Parliament on July 7, 2026, in accordance with Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya.

The notice, submitted by petitioner Francis Awino, National Convenor of Mtetezi (Grassroots Economic Justice Movement), states that the planned assembly is being organised in line with Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed.

According to the notice dated July 5, 2026, participants will assemble at Jeevanjee Gardens from 8:00am before commencing a peaceful procession at 9:00am through Nairobi’s CBD to Parliament Buildings, where a petition will be presented to the speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate.

“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 states in the notice.

Addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the Nairobi Regional Police Commander, the Officer Commanding Police Division (Central) and the Officer Commanding Station (Central Police Station), the notice states that organisers expect between 1,000 and 3,000 participants drawn from civil society organisations, human rights defenders, youth groups, religious organisations, professionals, students and concerned members of the public.

According to Awino, the petition seeks parliamentary intervention over allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and excessive use of force by security agencies.

It also calls for strengthened police accountability, improved oversight mechanisms and enhanced protection of constitutional rights and the rule of law.

The petition further urges parliament to establish appropriate oversight mechanisms, review existing laws, strengthen accountability institutions and undertake any legislative measures necessary to safeguard constitutional rights.

The organisers pledged that the demonstration will remain peaceful, orderly and unarmed, with volunteer marshals deployed to assist with coordination and crowd management throughout the event.

“Participants shall remain peaceful, orderly and unarmed throughout the procession and presentation of the petition,” the notice states.

The organisers also committed to cooperating fully with the National Police Service in maintaining public order and safety.

Awino further appealed to the National Police Service to facilitate the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights by providing adequate security and traffic management during the demonstration.

“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,” the notice reads.

The notice is signed by Francis Awino in his capacity as National Convenor of Mtetezi (Grassroots Economic Justice Movement). Copies 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 historic pro-democracy protests of 1990, when former Butere MP Joseph Martin Shikuku (late), Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Cherangany MP Masinde Muliro (late) and political activist Philip Gachoka (late) s, among others led Kenyans to the streets to demand the restoration of multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and greater political freedoms.

Over the years, the day has evolved into a platform through which citizens and civil society groups peacefully raise concerns about governance, human rights and other national issues.

• A Tell Media report / By Elizabeth Were