The United States Embassy in Kenya has issued a security alert to American citizens ahead of the annual Saba Saba commemorations, warning of possible protests, heightened security operations and traffic disruptions across the country.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Embassy said demonstrations could occur in Nairobi’s Central Business District and other urban centres, urging U.S. citizens to remain vigilant.
“U.S. citizens are advised that around July 7 there may be a heightened security presence. Security checkpoints, traffic disruptions, and congestion may occur. U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations may occur at any time, especially in business districts and along key travel routes,” the Embassy said.
The Embassy advised its citizens to avoid protests and large crowds, monitor local media for updates, keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up while travelling, inform friends and family of their whereabouts, review personal security plans, and carry a copy of their U.S. passport together with a valid Kenyan visa.
The advisory comes as security agencies mounted checkpoints on major roads leading into Nairobi and other towns ahead of the annual Saba Saba commemoration.
Police said the enhanced security measures are intended to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the demonstrations to disrupt businesses and endanger public safety.
Roadblocks were established on key routes leading to Nairobi’s Central Business District, Parliament and State House, with officers conducting searches on motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
The security operations caused major traffic congestion on several roads, prompting some schools to suspend in-person learning after informing parents that traffic disruptions would affect the movement of students and staff.
Motorists reported heavy screening along Jogoo Road near City Stadium and around State House, where additional security personnel had been deployed from early morning. Some road users, however, complained of delays and alleged harassment during the security checks.
On Monday, the National Police Service (NPS) announced that it would deploy additional officers and establish enhanced security checkpoints across Nairobi as part of efforts to maintain law and order during the Saba Saba anniversary.
Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the measures were informed by previous incidents where demonstrations turned violent and disrupted businesses.
“The National Police Service wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of past experience during the Saba Saba commemoration, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” Muchiri said.
He said the checkpoints would regulate both pedestrian and vehicular movement while helping police prevent disorder and protect members of the public.
Muchiri urged Kenyans to cooperate with security officers and warned that anyone engaging in unlawful activities would face legal action.
Additional security officers were also deployed in Nairobi’s satellite towns, including Kitengela, Mlolongo, Rongai and Githurai.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud maintained that no group had formally notified police of plans to hold demonstrations in the capital, warning that any gathering conducted without the required notice would be treated as unlawful.
“Tomorrow is a normal working day and public transport will not be affected, although there will be screening of vehicles entering the city. Of course we must do screening,” Mohamud said after meeting senior police commanders.
“There will be no problem at all. The day will be a normal working day,” he added.
However, the Grassroots Economic Justice Movement said it had formally notified the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Nairobi Regional Police Commander and the Officer Commanding Central Police Station of its intention to hold peaceful demonstrations.
According to the organisation, between 1,000 and 3,000 participants are expected to march from Jeevanjee Gardens to Parliament Buildings to present a petition seeking parliamentary intervention over alleged extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the excessive use of force by security agencies.
The group said volunteer marshals would be deployed to ensure the procession remains peaceful.
Saba Saba, commemorated annually on July 7, marks the historic 1990 pro-democracy protests led by veteran politicians Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, who called for the restoration of multi-party democracy. Although the demonstrations were violently dispersed and many protesters were arrested, the movement eventually led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991, ending Kenya’s one-party system. Since then, July 7 has remained a significant day in Kenya’s democratic history and is often marked by protests calling for political, governance and economic reforms.
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