Saba-Saba-Day in Kenya

Saba Saba Day in Kenya refers to July 7, 1990, a pivotal moment in Kenya's struggle for multi-party democracy. Unlike Tanzania's trade-oriented holiday, Saba Saba is known in Kenya as a day of pro-democracy protests that challenged the authoritarian regime of then-President Daniel arap Moi. Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (September 2, 1924 – February 4, 2020) was the second president of Kenya. He served from 1978 to 2002, making him the country's longest-serving president. Born in Sacho, Baringo County, to the Tugen subgroup of the Kalenjin people, Moi began his career as a teacher before entering politics in the 1950s. In 1960, he co-founded the Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU), which represented minorities, but later merged it with Jomo Kenyatta's Kenya African National Union (KANU). From 1967 until Kenyatta's death in 1978, Moi served as vice president under Kenyatta, after which he became president. Saba has a meaning. "Saba" means "seven" in Swahili – hence "Saba Saba" (7.7) for July 7. From 1982 to 1991, Kenya was de jure a one-party state under Moi's Kenya African National Union (KANU). Opposition parties were banned, and dissent was suppressed. This did not go down well with Kenyans. It was led by pro-democracy activists such as Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and later politicians Raila Odinga and Gitobu Imanyara. Demands included an end to one-party rule, the restoration of multi-party democracy, the release of political prisoners, and expanded civil liberties. Police violently suppressed nationwide protests (particularly in Nairobi). Estimates indicate at least 20 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and mass arrests. Although the protests were crushed, Saba Saba sparked nationwide resistance. In December 1991, Moi bowed to pressure and legalized opposition parties. The date became synonymous with Kenya's struggle for democracy. Later July 7 protests (e.g., in 1997 and the 2000s) often used "Saba Saba" as a rallying cry. Today, Kenyans observe Saba Saba as a reminder of the sacrifices made for democratic freedoms; and as a day for civil society to work for government reform, accountability, and human rights. This day is not a public holiday, but a day of historical reflection. An important quote from Kenyan human rights activist Maina Kiai, who said: "Saba Saba was the day Kenya rose up against the dictatorship. It was the beginning of the Second Liberation." Today, on July 7, 2025, will Saba Saba Day still reflect the courage of Kenyans or will today serve only as a memory? In Nairobi, major roads leading to the Central Business District (CBD) were barricaded. In short, Nairobi was brought to a standstill. Police had assured them they would protect peaceful protesters. Police had cordoned off Parliament Road and erected barbed wire. Shops were closed in Mombasa and Eldoret. In Kitengela, Kajiado County, near Nairobi, chaos erupted as protesters engaged in ongoing clashes with police. Armed riot police intervened. The youths blocked the Nairobi-Namanga road and brought traffic on the highway to a standstill. They lit bonfires with tires, then the police intervened. Tear gas was used to disperse the protesters. Shops in Kitengela remained closed. Police cracked down on the demonstrators. The General Service Unit (GSU) reinforced other police units. The situation in Kitengela was difficult, and the police had to keep it under control. Two water cannons were also deployed to combat the riots. Roadblocks were set up along Namanga Road. However, in the neighboring town on the Athi River in Machakos District, the situation remains calm, and shops are open. There have been arrests and deaths. In some neighborhoods, police have also been injured and killed by rockets thrown by the youths. A video shows a young man in the mosque celebrating his big day. This young man was sadly shot dead during the chaos that erupted during Saba Saba in Ning. He had recently married, and now his pregnant wife is having to bear this painful loss. A video showed two protesters being beaten and forcibly restrained by armed men in plain clothes, which prompted mixed reactions. The following morning, the full figures were released: National Police Service Confirmed 11 Deaths, 52 Injured Police Officers, 11 Civilian Injuries, and 567 Arrests Made During the Sabasaba Protests. @https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/595343-ngong-man-shot-saba-saba-demos-married-leaves-pregnant-wife/ @https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-07-07-chaos-in-kitengela-as-gen-zs-clash-with-police-during-saba-saba-protests @https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-07-07-police-erect-razor-wire-on-parliament-road @https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/counties/595269-saba-saba-protests-police-block-roads-cbd-forcing-commuters-walk/