Kenyans have been encouraged to join the Saba Saba March on July 7, 2026, to honour victims of alleged killings and enforced disappearances and to demand accountability through peaceful, lawful means.
The Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCWG) said the march will help the public remember people who have died or gone missing, while also calling for independent investigations into the cases.
The group noted that many families across the country are still searching for relatives who were allegedly abducted and never returned home. It also said some families are mourning loved ones who, it claims, were killed during police operations or in other incidents that have raised concerns about the use of force. The group added that these families deserve the truth, justice, and proper investigations conducted according to the law.
“As the country prepares for the #SabaSabaMarchForOurLives mobilization, we are reminded that behind every statistic is a human life: a son, a daughter, a parent, a friend, or a neighbor whose future was cut short or whose whereabouts remain unknown. The campaign is not only a call for accountability but also a commitment to honour those who have lost their lives or disappeared under circumstances that demand transparent and independent investigation,” it said.
The group also stressed that everyone’s right to life, liberty, and a fair hearing must always be protected and that no one should lose life or freedom outside the proper legal process, regardless of any allegations.
“Justice cannot be achieved through unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, or torture. A society governed by the rule of law must ensure that allegations of crime are addressed through independent investigations and fair judicial processes,” SJCWG said.
It also warned against calling victims criminals before any trial, saying these labels weaken justice and violate the presumption of innocence.
“It is also important to challenge narratives that seek to justify unlawful killings by branding victims as “goons,” “thugs,” or “criminals” without the benefit of a fair trial. Labels cannot replace evidence, and public opinion cannot substitute for the courts. The presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of any democratic society,” the group said.
The group added that public institutions answer to citizens and that peaceful, lawful criticism of state agencies forms part of democratic rights.
It reiterated that law enforcement agencies must protect lives, uphold rights, maintain public safety, and respect human dignity.
The group said the Saba Saba March for Our Lives also aims to stand with affected families and push for justice through peaceful mobilization. It urged communities to share stories and photographs of those who have died or remain missing so the public remembers them as people with lives and families, not just statistics.
The group said remembrance marks the beginning of justice, while truth forms the basis for accountability. It called for continued advocacy to ensure equal protection of the law for everyone.
The nationwide march will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, starting at 7:00 am. Organizers have planned the event under the theme “Our Lives Matter, Freedom, Dignity, Justice,” and they urged people across the country to participate with a message of peace and justice.
