LSK and Rights Groups Condemn Deployment of Masked Police Officers During Saba Saba Protests
Quote from Lawyer on July 8, 2025, 8:43 amThe Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) have issued a strong condemnation of the Kenyan government's use of masked police officers during the Saba Saba demonstrations held on July 7, 2025. The protests, marking the 35th anniversary of the historic 1990 Saba Saba movement for multiparty democracy, saw widespread participation across 20 counties, with citizens demanding accountability, an end to corruption, and respect for constitutional rights. However, the response from law enforcement has drawn sharp criticism for its heavy-handed tactics and apparent violations of legal standards.
The LSK and PRWG highlighted the deployment of heavily armed police units, some wearing hoods to conceal their identities and operating in unmarked vehicles, as a direct violation of court orders mandating that officers be identifiable during public operations. These units were reportedly equipped with military-grade weapons, raising concerns about the escalation of force against unarmed protesters. The statement from the organizations pointed to specific incidents in Ngong Town, Kajiado, where three fatalities were recorded, marking the highest death toll in a single location during the protests. Reports indicate that at least nine people were killed nationwide, all from gunshot wounds, according to data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) collected by 6:30 PM on July 7.
The organizations described the police actions as a betrayal of democratic principles, emphasizing that Saba Saba Day symbolizes Kenya’s struggle for civil liberties and political reform. They argued that the National Police Service (NPS) failed to uphold its constitutional obligations under Article 37 of the Constitution, the National Police Service Act, and the Public Order Act, which mandate the protection of peaceful assembly. Instead, the police response included arbitrary arrests, the use of water cannons in areas like Kitengela and Kikuyu, and tear gas deployment in Doonholm, Nairobi, and Naivasha. The presence of Kenya Defence Force (KDF) officers in Kayole and Naivasha further escalated tensions, with critics questioning the militarization of protest management.
The LSK and PRWG also condemned the failure of law enforcement to prevent attacks by militia gangs on civilians and businesses, which they described as a deliberate tactic to undermine the protests. These groups, allegedly operating under police protection, were reported to have attacked demonstrators while wielding blunt weapons. The crackdown also disrupted access to emergency medical care in densely populated Nairobi suburbs, exacerbating the impact on affected communities. The organizations noted that the government’s actions contradicted earlier assurances from Interior and Public Service Cabinet Secretaries, who had pledged to facilitate protests and ensure public safety.
The protests were further marred by significant disruptions to public transport and business operations. As early as 5 AM, police sealed off major roads leading to Nairobi’s central business district, erecting barricades at key junctions such as Roysambu Roundabout, Allsops, Kangemi Bridge, and Uhuru Highway. This led to widespread traffic restrictions, stranding commuters and forcing many to walk to their destinations. Long-distance buses were turned away, and Kenya Railways’ cancellation of the 10 PM Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi, citing a technical fault, left passengers stranded without clear communication.
The unrest followed a disturbing incident on July 6, when more than 10 boda boda riders, many wearing masks, stormed the offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in Nairobi. CCTV footage captured the group overpowering security guards and confronting staff, with some demanding to know if protests were being planned. The KHRC condemned the attack as a calculated move by the government to intimidate human rights defenders, particularly in light of the recent legal rendition of their staff member, Martin Mavenjina. The LSK and PRWG echoed this sentiment, calling for an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident and urging authorities to ensure the safety of human rights advocates.
Civil society groups, including the KHRC, have vowed to continue their advocacy despite these challenges, asserting that the right to protest is constitutionally protected and cannot be silenced through intimidation. The protests, largely led by Gen Z activists, reflect growing disillusionment with the government, particularly over issues of police brutality, abductions, and extrajudicial killings. These grievances were fueled by last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread arrests.
The LSK and PRWG have called for accountability, demanding that the government investigate the use of excessive force and ensure that officers involved in violations face prosecution. They also urged the National Security Council to publicly distance itself from the tactics employed during the protests and to take steps to restore public trust in law enforcement. The organizations emphasized that Kenya’s democratic gains, hard-won through movements like Saba Saba, must be protected to prevent a slide into authoritarianism.
As Kenya reflects on the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba, the day remains a powerful symbol of resistance and civic action. However, the events of July 7, 2025, have underscored the ongoing challenges in safeguarding democratic freedoms. The LSK, PRWG, and other rights groups continue to call for dialogue, respect for constitutional values, and an end to state-sponsored violence, urging Kenyans to unite in defense of their hard-earned liberties.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) have issued a strong condemnation of the Kenyan government's use of masked police officers during the Saba Saba demonstrations held on July 7, 2025. The protests, marking the 35th anniversary of the historic 1990 Saba Saba movement for multiparty democracy, saw widespread participation across 20 counties, with citizens demanding accountability, an end to corruption, and respect for constitutional rights. However, the response from law enforcement has drawn sharp criticism for its heavy-handed tactics and apparent violations of legal standards.
The LSK and PRWG highlighted the deployment of heavily armed police units, some wearing hoods to conceal their identities and operating in unmarked vehicles, as a direct violation of court orders mandating that officers be identifiable during public operations. These units were reportedly equipped with military-grade weapons, raising concerns about the escalation of force against unarmed protesters. The statement from the organizations pointed to specific incidents in Ngong Town, Kajiado, where three fatalities were recorded, marking the highest death toll in a single location during the protests. Reports indicate that at least nine people were killed nationwide, all from gunshot wounds, according to data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) collected by 6:30 PM on July 7.
The organizations described the police actions as a betrayal of democratic principles, emphasizing that Saba Saba Day symbolizes Kenya’s struggle for civil liberties and political reform. They argued that the National Police Service (NPS) failed to uphold its constitutional obligations under Article 37 of the Constitution, the National Police Service Act, and the Public Order Act, which mandate the protection of peaceful assembly. Instead, the police response included arbitrary arrests, the use of water cannons in areas like Kitengela and Kikuyu, and tear gas deployment in Doonholm, Nairobi, and Naivasha. The presence of Kenya Defence Force (KDF) officers in Kayole and Naivasha further escalated tensions, with critics questioning the militarization of protest management.
The LSK and PRWG also condemned the failure of law enforcement to prevent attacks by militia gangs on civilians and businesses, which they described as a deliberate tactic to undermine the protests. These groups, allegedly operating under police protection, were reported to have attacked demonstrators while wielding blunt weapons. The crackdown also disrupted access to emergency medical care in densely populated Nairobi suburbs, exacerbating the impact on affected communities. The organizations noted that the government’s actions contradicted earlier assurances from Interior and Public Service Cabinet Secretaries, who had pledged to facilitate protests and ensure public safety.
The protests were further marred by significant disruptions to public transport and business operations. As early as 5 AM, police sealed off major roads leading to Nairobi’s central business district, erecting barricades at key junctions such as Roysambu Roundabout, Allsops, Kangemi Bridge, and Uhuru Highway. This led to widespread traffic restrictions, stranding commuters and forcing many to walk to their destinations. Long-distance buses were turned away, and Kenya Railways’ cancellation of the 10 PM Madaraka Express train from Mombasa to Nairobi, citing a technical fault, left passengers stranded without clear communication.
The unrest followed a disturbing incident on July 6, when more than 10 boda boda riders, many wearing masks, stormed the offices of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in Nairobi. CCTV footage captured the group overpowering security guards and confronting staff, with some demanding to know if protests were being planned. The KHRC condemned the attack as a calculated move by the government to intimidate human rights defenders, particularly in light of the recent legal rendition of their staff member, Martin Mavenjina. The LSK and PRWG echoed this sentiment, calling for an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident and urging authorities to ensure the safety of human rights advocates.
Civil society groups, including the KHRC, have vowed to continue their advocacy despite these challenges, asserting that the right to protest is constitutionally protected and cannot be silenced through intimidation. The protests, largely led by Gen Z activists, reflect growing disillusionment with the government, particularly over issues of police brutality, abductions, and extrajudicial killings. These grievances were fueled by last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, which resulted in significant loss of life and widespread arrests.
The LSK and PRWG have called for accountability, demanding that the government investigate the use of excessive force and ensure that officers involved in violations face prosecution. They also urged the National Security Council to publicly distance itself from the tactics employed during the protests and to take steps to restore public trust in law enforcement. The organizations emphasized that Kenya’s democratic gains, hard-won through movements like Saba Saba, must be protected to prevent a slide into authoritarianism.
As Kenya reflects on the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba, the day remains a powerful symbol of resistance and civic action. However, the events of July 7, 2025, have underscored the ongoing challenges in safeguarding democratic freedoms. The LSK, PRWG, and other rights groups continue to call for dialogue, respect for constitutional values, and an end to state-sponsored violence, urging Kenyans to unite in defense of their hard-earned liberties.