This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
July 7, 2020, marked the 30th anniversary of Saba Saba, a day commemorating Kenya's liberation struggle, constitutional reforms, and the fight for human rights. However, the celebrations turned chaotic as police clashed with protesters in various parts of Nairobi.
Activists had planned to congregate at Parliament Buildings with a banner, but the police were quick to intervene, fearing the march may turn violent and spread the Covid-19 pandemic. The police demanded that the organizers take responsibility for any incidents that may occur.
As the protesters marched through the streets, the police responded with teargas, dispersing the crowds in the Nairobi Central Business District, Kibra, Kayole, and Kariobangi. The Mathare Justice Centre was also a scene of chaos, with clouds of teargas engulfing the sky as activists engaged the police in running battles.
Several protesters were arrested, including Comrade Vincent from Kibra, who was held at the Pangani DCI. The hashtag #SabaSabaAt30 trended on social media, with many Kenyans expressing their outrage at the police's heavy-handed response.
Activists and human rights defenders took to Twitter to share their experiences, with some expressing their disappointment at the police's actions. Shikoh Kihika tweeted, 'HRDs marching peacefully to mark #SabaSabaAt30 but have been arrested by @NPSOfficial_KE officers contravening article 37 of the constitution on freedom of assembly, picket, and to present petitions to public authorities #FreeHRDs.'
