Organisers of the Saba Saba demonstrations have vowed to proceed with their planned peaceful procession through Nairobi despite a declaration by the National Police Service that all public gatherings are illegal.
The organisers maintain that they have complied with all legal requirements governing public assemblies. National Convener Francis Owino said a formal notice of the planned demonstration was submitted last Friday to the Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
According to the organisers, participants will assemble at Jeevanjee Gardens from 9:00 a.m. before marching through Nairobi's Central Business District to Parliament Buildings, where they intend to present a petition calling for parliamentary intervention over alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the use of excessive force by security agencies.
Civil society organisations, human rights defenders and the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement expect between 1,000 and 3,000 people to participate in the procession.
The organisers have reiterated their commitment to a peaceful demonstration, saying volunteer marshals will help maintain order and ensure participants remain unarmed throughout the march. They also called on police officers providing security to remain identifiable by avoiding face coverings and the use of unmarked vehicles.
The National Police Service has, however, maintained that all demonstrations and public gatherings are prohibited, setting the stage for a potential standoff between protesters and security agencies over the planned Saba Saba procession.