This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 7, 2020, hundreds of human rights activists gathered in Nairobi for the annual Saba Saba march, which commemorates the 1990 launch of multiparty politics in Kenya.
However, the event turned violent as police dispersed the crowd, leading to the arrest of over 50 activists.
According to Nairobi Police Commander Philip Ndolo, those arrested were released on cash bail or free bond, with the condition that they report to police stations on July 8 to face charges of illegal gathering.
‘It is outlawed, it is not legal, and no permit has been given. As you are aware, no public gatherings are allowed at this time due to COVID-19 and we will not allow anyone to hold any meeting or march of any kind,’ Ndolo told Nairobi News.
The activists had been calling for an end to police brutality and extrajudicial killings in informal settlements.
