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Kenya commemorated its struggle for democracy on Monday, as police set up roadblocks in Nairobi in anticipation of possible protests, following last month’s demonstrations that turned violent.
Saba Saba Day commemorates the uprising that occurred on July 7, 1990, when Kenyans demanded the restoration of multi-party democracy after enduring years of authoritarian rule under then-President Daniel Arap Moi.
This year’s observance coincides with a wave of protests by young Kenyans, who are frustrated with economic stagnation, rampant corruption, and persistent incidents of police brutality, resulting in chaos, looting, and violence that have left many dead and countless businesses in ruins.
Protesters allege that the authorities are hiring armed thugs to tarnish their movement’s reputation, while the government has likened the protests to an “attempted coup.”
On Monday, Nairobi’s streets remained unusually quiet as police erected barricades on major roads, preventing most individuals from accessing the city centre, with numerous businesses shuttered for the day.
The previous day, a press briefing by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission that called for an end to “enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings” was interrupted when individuals, some wielding sticks, forced their way into the venue.
The influence of social media and growing economic aspirations has fueled resentment over disparities in a nation where roughly 80 per cent of the population is stuck in informal, low-paying jobs.
However, the violent actions of the police—resulting in at least 80 fatalities during protests since June 2024 and the illegal detention of numerous individuals—have deterred many from taking to the streets.
From a political standpoint, President William Ruto, who was elected in 2022, maintains a robust position by forming an alliance with the leading opposition figure, Raila Odinga, leaving no evident contender for the upcoming 2027 elections.
