Editor's Review

Canada has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to exercise caution ahead of the Saba Saba Day demonstrations.

The Canadian Embassy in Kenya has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to exercise caution ahead of the Saba Saba Day demonstrations, set to take place on Monday, July 7.

In the advisory shared on Friday, July 4, the embassy warned that demonstrations may occur before or after the Saba Saba Day.

“Demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Nairobi across Kenya on July 7, 2025. Gatherings and demonstrations may also occur before or after this date. Recent demonstrations have been violent, with incidents of looting and shootings resulting in casualties," the advisory read.

The embassy also raised concerns over potential violence, disruptions, and possible restrictions on movement and communication.

“Demonstrations can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Telecommunications and Internet access may also be disrupted. Authorities may impose curfews and restrict movement without notice," the advisory added.

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File image of suspected protesters bundled into police car ahead of Saba Saba protests in 2023

As such, Canadian citizens currently in Kenya were urged to remain vigilant and take precautionary steps. 

“If you are in Kenya: stay away from demonstrations, avoid areas around government buildings, expect heavy security measures and increased security presence, monitor local media for the latest information and follow the instructions of local authorities, including curfew orders,” the advisory concluded.

Saba Saba Day is observed in Kenya on July 7 each year; it commemorates a critical turning point in the country’s political history, particularly the struggle for multiparty democracy during the one-party rule under President Daniel arap Moi. 

On July 7, 1990, a coalition of pro-democracy activists, including figures like Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and Raila Odinga, led protests demanding political reforms, civil liberties, and an end to the Kenya African National Union's (KANU) monopoly on power. 

At the time, KANU was the only legal political party in Kenya, and opposition activities were heavily suppressed.

The government responded to the protests with a violent crackdown, resulting in arrests, injuries, and fatalities.

The events of that day sparked a movement that would eventually lead to the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1991.