Kenyan police said they would not allow a planned march in Nairobi on Tuesday to mark an annual day of protest, with heavy security deployments disrupting traffic.

Demonstrations have traditionally been held on July 7 to commemorate the day in 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-president Daniel arap Moi. It has become known as "Saba Saba Day".

Over the past two years, "Saba Saba" (meaning "seven seven") has merged with broader protests against the government.

This year the government has taken no chances with protests, using heavy police deployments to prevent even small gatherings.

Peaceful protests

A group called the Economic Justice Movement notified police of plans to hold a peaceful procession in Nairobi, sharing the notice on social media.

The police, however, say any procession would be illegal, while warning of added checkpoints around the city.

"Any unlawful acts shall be met with the full force of the law," it said in a statement

Many people say they are scared of potential violence that could erupt after at least 127 people were killed during protests in June-July 2024 and a similar period in 2025.