NCCK chairperson Elias Otieno Agola and General Secretary Chris Kinyanjui.PHOTO/@KenyaNCCK/X
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a strong appeal to security agencies, urging them to exercise maximum restraint and uphold the constitutional rights of Kenyans during the upcoming Saba Saba protests scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025.
In a statement released over the weekend, NCCK raised alarm over what it termed as a worrying trend by the government of “blatantly, violently, and illegally” denying citizens their right to peacefully picket. The council warned that continued suppression of public demonstrations would not only violate the Constitution but also risk undermining public trust in state institutions.
“The churches are deeply concerned about the increasing use of force to silence citizens who are peacefully demanding accountability and reforms,” the NCCK said. “We remind the police and all security agencies that their mandate is to serve and protect the people, not to oppress them.”
The church body emphasized that all police officers must operate strictly within the framework of the National Police Service Act, which outlines the need to protect the lives, rights, and freedoms of all Kenyans, including those who choose to protest.
The Saba Saba protests, historically significant in Kenya, commemorate the pro-democracy demonstrations of July 7, 1990, which played a pivotal role in the struggle for multi-party democracy. Over the years, this day has become symbolic for citizens demanding social justice, accountability, and better governance.
This year’s planned protests are reportedly driven by widespread dissatisfaction over economic hardships, rising taxes, and concerns over government transparency.
The NCCK further urged the government to open channels of dialogue with protest organizers and civil society leaders to address grievances and prevent potential violence.
“We believe that through respectful engagement and genuine listening, many of the issues raised can be resolved without confrontation,” NCCK added.
As the nation braces for the Saba Saba protests, the call for peaceful engagement and police professionalism has taken center stage, with the international community and local watchdogs closely monitoring the situation
