The Motorists Association of Kenya has told the government to uphold the constitutional right to protest, issuing five strong demands to ensure that Saba Saba demonstrations scheduled for Monday, July 7 proceed without police harassment, roadblocks, or violence.

In a statement released on Saturday, July 5, the association said the right to assemble is guaranteed in Article 37 of the Constitution and should not be treated as a privilege.

“It is therefore the duty of the government, through the National Police Service, to facilitate these rights, not to frustrate, endanger, or criminalize them,” read the statement.

One of their main concerns is the safety of peaceful demonstrators. The group said police must guarantee safe passage and protect protesters from attacks by hired goons and other criminal groups.

They added that officers must not use excessive force or weapons on unarmed citizens under any circumstances.

The association further called for public transport to be allowed to operate freely and for motorists to access city roads without blockades.

They urged authorities to avoid the closure of transport corridors, which they said disrupts lives and hampers essential services.

Shops and business owners were also mentioned, with the group demanding protection of commercial areas so that daily trade can continue even as protests happen in the streets.

Recalling the protests held on June 25, the association accused the police of failing to protect Kenyans and instead becoming the cause of fear.

“Instead of protecting life and property, the police became the very threat from which Kenyans needed protection. Roads were blocked without notice, public transport paralysed, and essential services crippled,” they stated.

They said police must ensure safety for both protesters and the general public, while also avoiding any actions that worsen the situation, such as the use of tear gas or forceful dispersals.

Meanwhile, the National Police Service has said it has not received official communication about the planned Saba Saba protests. Speaking during a Citizen TV interview on Thursday, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said they were unaware of any planned protests.

While acknowledging that peaceful protests are protected under the Constitution, Nyaga warned that organisers must first notify police before heading to the streets.

He cautioned that failure to do so could be unlawful. “Illegal protests often descend into chaos and destruction of property,” he said.