Saba Saba: Planned march, memorial concert to mark historic day

On the historic day, Kenya witnessed the largest nationwide protests which had been summoned by leaders including Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia. The leaders had been arrested a few days before. 

Over 20 people are reported to have died in the protest which left thousands injured. As a result, former President Daniel Moi’s government bowed to pressure and allowed political pluralism.

34 years later, SabaSaba remains a historic day for Kenya. However, the 2024 SabaSaba day has taken a new course as organisers dedicate it to commemoration of Kenyans killed during the recent anti-government protests. 

Data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) shows that at least 39 people were killed in the nationwide protests that occurred June 18 to July 1, 2024. It further reported 32 cases of abductions and 627 arrests of protesters.

As a result, a section of Kenyans have organized a march to commemorate those who lost their lives through gun shots and other forms of violence meted towards the protesters. 

On the other hand, a memorial concert is set to be held at Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi. 

The concert, organized by activist Boniface Mwangi and others will bring together top Kenyan artists to honour Kenyans killed during the protests. 

It is set to take place from 12 pm to 7 pm. 

Siaya Governor James Orengo, who was among the Young Turks leading the 1990 SabaSaba day has hailed the youthful population for upholding democracy on the historic day. 

" I am happy because the young people of this country have decided to march for their lives. I support you! I support your clarion calls of saying NO to dictatorship, NO to tribalism in state appointments, NO to police brutality, NO to corruption. I urge you to remain vigilant and steadfast because freedom is coming," Orengo said on Sunday. 

ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS 

What began as a protest against the Finance Bill 2024 has led Kenyans to unleash lists of demands to the Kenya Kwanza government. 

On June 26, President William Ruto bowed to pressure from protesters and refused to sign the Finance Bill into law. 

The move was after deadly protests, where Kenyans invaded parliament after legislators voted in favour of the contentious Bill. 

After rejecting the Bill, President William Ruto announced austerity measures to reduce government expenditure. 

Some of the measures include scrapping of budgets in the office of the First Lady, spouse of Deputy President and Prime Cabinet Secretary. 

Other measures include suspension of the appointment of Chief Administrative Officers (CASs) and dissolution of 47 State Corporations that have overlapping mandates.