A cloud of tension is settling over the country as Kenyans prepare for Saba Saba demonstrations scheduled for Monday, July 7.
The protests, marking the historic 1990 struggle for multiparty democracy, have taken on a new urgency in 2025 amid mounting public dissent and security fears.
With widespread calls for calm and safety, several Nairobi schools have announced closures ahead of the protests.
Parents have been receiving notices from institutions like Consolata School, Premier Academy, Thika Road Christian School, Laiser Hill Academy, and St. Jude Early School, among others.
In total, Uzalendo News has seen and verified notices from at least 20 schools advising learners to remain home. Most are expected to resume normal learning on Tuesday, July 8.
“To ensure that learning continues uninterrupted, our teachers will prepare adequate academic work… aimed at reinforcing key concepts,” read a statement from Consolata School.
Premier Academy cited “prevailing uncertainties and safety concerns” for its precautionary closure.
Regis Runda, St. Mary’s Sportsview, Makini, also cited safety concerns as they advice parents to ensure their children are safe at home.
Meanwhile across campuses, students have been asked to switch to online classes to minimize any inconvenience. Notices shared by Strathmore, Mount Kenya and USIU indicated there will be no physical classes during the 7/7 day.
Meanwhile, in Mombasa, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Sylvester Wambua rejected a protest notice, warning of intelligence reports suggesting plans by goons to hijack peaceful demonstrations.
This comes after recent protests turned deadly, with several youths reportedly shot by police. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has come under fire for issuing shoot-on-sight orders against those targeting police stations — a directive that has sparked fierce backlash and public condemnation.
The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urged security forces to respect the law and protect peaceful demonstrators, warning against “illegally denying Kenyans the right to picket.”
All eyes now turn to Monday.
