Belgut MP Nelson Koech defends police deployment ahead of Saba Saba
Belgut MP Nelson Koech has come out in strong support of the government’s decision to deploy police officers and mount roadblocks in major towns ahead of Saba Saba Day rallies.
In an interview on a local TV station on Monday, July 7, 2025, Koech asserted that such measures are necessary to shield law-abiding Kenyans and their property from opportunistic “goons” and criminal elements determined to disrupt peace or sabotage the economy.
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The National Police Service intensified its presence over the weekend, attracting widespread attention in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu and Mombasa. Barricades and passenger checks were implemented on key arteries, notably around the State House and heavily trafficked highways.
Koech stated this deployment is fair, proportionate and indispensable to maintaining order.
“Allowing innocent Kenyans to transit and carry out daily business without fear,” Koech argued, “is a fundamental responsibility of government, and so is preventing looting, arson or violent disruptions by a motivated few.”
He emphasised the fine line between peaceful protest and organised lawlessness.
“This is not about stifling dissent, but about protecting lives, livelihoods and the broader economy,” he added.
He said the deployment underscores a recurring concern in Kenyan political discourse: the potential for protests to be hijacked by criminal actors. The 2024major protest wave saw violent flare-ups attributed to domestic terrorism by government officials, including Koech himself.
These minor elements, he warned, typically exploit mass gatherings for criminal gain.
Police preparedness
The National Police Service has called on Kenyans to exercise peace and restraint during the planned Saba Saba Day.
They have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Kenyans and to maintaining peace, law, and order.
According to police, while Kenyans have a right to peaceably assemble, demonstrate, and hand in any petitions, however, they must exercise it within the confines of the law at all times.
Police said protesters must remain peaceful and unarmed, and carrying weapons of any kind shall be treated as a direct violation of the constitution and the Penal Code Cap. 63, Section 78 and 82).
They warned against entering or attempting to access protected government installations or restricted areas, saying it is a violation of The Protected Areas Act, Cap 204 Laws of Kenya and shall attract immediate legal action.
“Looting, vandalism of any form and destruction of property, blocking roads, or even incitement to violence under the guise of protests shall not be tolerated. Such acts are criminal and shall be met with firm, lawful action by security agencies,” the statement read.
They further cautioned against provoking police officers who, by law, are out on duty to maintain peace and order.
