Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has directed all civil servants across the country to report to work on Monday, July 7, dismissing the planned Saba Saba Day protests as no justification for absenteeism.

Speaking on Sunday in Embu County during a church service attended by President William Ruto, Ruku warned that disciplinary action would be taken against any government employee who fails to turn up for duty.

"Tomorrow, Monday, is not a public holiday. All civil servants across the Republic of Kenya are expected to be in their offices regardless. This affects all the regional and subcounty offices as well as government offices in Kenya," Ruku said.

He reminded public officers that the directive aligns with the Human Resources Policies and Procedure Manual, and emphasized that official working hours must be followed strictly.

“We are expected to report to work as per the Human Resources Policies and Procedure Manual,” he added.

Ruku said all government offices must open at exactly 8am and close at 5pm without exception, noting that the standard lunch break will be from 12:30pm as usual. He warned against any unsanctioned breaks throughout the day.

The CS further stated that any staff found to have violated the directive would be issued with show-cause letters.

“Those saying that tomorrow is a public holiday, we are expected to be in our offices exactly at the required times. I will be doing spot checks, and should I find that there are no people, then expect showcause letters,” he said.

Ruku said he would continue making unannounced visits to government offices to monitor compliance.

His remarks come as anticipation builds around the planned Saba Saba Day demonstrations, with Kenyans expected to take to the streets in major towns. The day, first observed in 1990, is historically linked to the fight for multiparty democracy during the KANU regime under President Daniel arap Moi.