As the country braces for the Saba Saba protests scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a strong statement urging security agencies to uphold the rule of law and respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NCCK expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing trend of State-sanctioned violations of the constitutional right to protest. The council condemned recent fatal shootings of demonstrators and called out Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for issuing “shoot-on-sight” orders, which the churches say threaten Kenyans’ freedom of assembly.
“The police must act within the confines of the National Police Service Act,” the statement read, “and provide security to peaceful and unarmed demonstrators.” The NCCK further demanded that officers desist from collaborating with armed goons who have allegedly infiltrated protests and attacked civilians. It called on authorities to apprehend such groups and expose their financiers.
The council also urged CS Murkomen to immediately withdraw his controversial statement and take responsibility for any extrajudicial killings committed by security forces under his command.
In addition, the NCCK rejected the proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill sponsored by Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris. The bill seeks to restrict venues for public protests, which the churches argue would further erode citizens’ rights to assembly and expression.
The Saba Saba protests have a deep historical significance in Kenya, commemorating the landmark demonstrations on July 7, 1990, when Kenyans took to the streets to demand free elections and multiparty democracy. This year’s protests are expected to revive that spirit of civic engagement, as citizens voice concerns over governance, corruption, and police brutality.
The churches’ call comes amid rising tensions and a national debate on the balance between public order and civil liberties. As July 7 approaches, all eyes will be on how the government responds to the renewed push for accountability and democratic space in Kenya.
