Motorists Association Sounds Alarm with 5 Bold Demands to Police Ahead of Saba Saba Day
As tension brews ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests on Monday, July 7, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has stepped forward with a powerful message to the state. In a fiery statement issued on Saturday, July 5, the association laid out five urgent demands to the government, urging for protection—not persecution—of protesters.
“Protest Is Not a Favour, It’s a Right”
The statement opened with a firm reminder to the government:
“Protests are not a favour from the government, but a Constitutional right enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya,” the association stated.
They challenged the National Police Service to uphold its mandate:
“It is therefore the duty of the government, through the National Police Service, to facilitate these rights—not to frustrate, endanger, or criminalize them,” the statement continued.
Protest is Our Right! Motorists Challenge Police Before Saba Saba Demos
5 Key Demands to Ensure Peace
MAK called on the police to take action in the following ways:
- Provide Safe Passage to peaceful demonstrators and shield them from criminals and hired goons.
- Protect Shops and Businesses so that operations continue without fear or interference.
- Guarantee Public Transport and Motorists’ Movement both within the city and in outlying areas.
- Cease Use of Excessive Force, tear gas, or live bullets on unarmed civilians.
- Act Professionally as a service, not a force of intimidation or brutality.
The group emphasized that protesters and non-protesters alike deserve safety.
“During protests, the police must guarantee the safety of both protesters and non-protesters, shops, and businesses,” they insisted.
Condemning Past Police Conduct
MAK cited the June 25 protests, which they claim were marred by police violence and chaos.
“Instead of protecting life and property, the police became the very threat from which Kenyans needed protection,” the statement declared.
They condemned police for blocking roads without warning, paralyzing transport, and crippling essential services.
“Roads were blocked without notice, public transport paralysed, and essential services crippled,” they stated.
Police Deny Knowledge of Planned Protest
In response, Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga told Citizen TV on Thursday:
“We have not received any formal notification about the planned protests on Saba Saba.”
Nyaga affirmed the right to demonstrate, but he issued a stern warning:
“Those planning to take to the streets must first seek permission from the police.”
He added that without formal notification, protests may be deemed illegal:
“Such illegal protests often descend into chaos and destruction of property.”
As Saba Saba approaches, all eyes remain on law enforcement, with Kenyans hoping for a peaceful and protected day of expression.
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Motorists Association Sounds Alarm with 5 Bold Demands to Police Ahead of Saba Saba Day
