As Kenya braces for Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, 2025, the Canadian Embassy in Nairobi has sounded a clear alarm. The embassy has issued an advisory urging Canadian citizens—both residents and travelers—to take extreme precautions. The tone of the advisory is unambiguous: trouble is expected, and it could get violent.

The embassy expressed serious concern over anticipated demonstrations that could erupt across Nairobi and other regions. The advisory states that past protests have not only disrupted public order but have turned deadly—marked by looting, shootings, and civilian casualties. The forecast for this year’s Saba Saba Day is no different, and the embassy is warning of the same, if not worse.

Wider Disruptions and Government Crackdowns Expected

According to the advisory, the protests may cause widespread disruptions—impacting transport systems, mobile networks, internet access, and daily business operations. Canadians have been cautioned that local authorities could impose sudden curfews and movement restrictions, without prior notice. The warning paints a picture of a volatile atmosphere with unpredictable law enforcement responses.

Residents and travelers have been specifically advised to avoid all protest zones, stay far from government buildings, and remain vigilant. The embassy emphasized that demonstrators often gather around official locations, and these areas could quickly turn into hotspots for confrontation or even attacks.

High-Risk Zones Flagged for Terror Threats

In addition to protest-related fears, the embassy expanded its alert to highlight terrorism risks in multiple regions. Canadians are strongly advised against all travel to Nairobi, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Meru, Narok, and various coastal regions. The northeastern counties of Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa—which border Somalia—have been labeled as particularly dangerous due to increased kidnapping risks and frequent militant activity.

The advisory specifically warns of past incidents involving improvised explosive devices, some of which resulted in casualties at areas like the Dadaab refugee camp, located just 80 km from the Somali border.

Moreover, Canadians are advised to stay away from areas within a 50-kilometre radius of the Ethiopian border due to cross-border tensions and intermittent violent flare-ups.

Potential Attack Targets Identified

The embassy’s message did not stop at general warnings. It explicitly flagged potential target zones where attacks could occur, including:

• -Government buildings

• -Shopping malls

• -Religious centers

• -Hotels

• -Schools

These are spaces often frequented by both locals and foreigners, raising concern about soft targets being hit during turbulent periods. With security forces expected to be stretched thin during the July 7 demonstrations, the likelihood of opportunistic attacks could increase.

Heavily Monitored Weekend Ahead

As Saba Saba Day approaches, Canada’s tone is clear: caution is not optional—it’s necessary. Canadians are urged to monitor Kenyan news closely, follow any curfew orders, and maintain communication with the embassy. They are also advised to register with Canada’s consular services and keep emergency travel documents ready in case evacuation or relocation becomes necessary.