Quick Read
- The Saba Saba protests of 1990 were a turning point in Kenya’s push for multi-party democracy.
- In 2025, youth-led protests echo similar grievances, including economic injustice and police brutality.
- Businesses in Nairobi lost an estimated Ksh8.8 billion during the latest Saba Saba demonstrations.
- The government’s response, including a ‘shoot to kill’ directive, mirrors tactics from the 1990s.
- A proposed bill aims to restrict protests near government institutions, raising concerns about democracy.
The Saba Saba protests, first ignited in 1990, marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political history, a call for multi-party democracy against an entrenched autocracy. Today, that spirit of defiance resurfaces as Kenyans, particularly younger generations, rally against systemic injustices, mirroring the struggles of the past.
The Historical Legacy of Saba Saba
On July 7, 600, Kenyans took to the streets to demand political reforms, challenging the autocratic regime of President Daniel arap Moi. At the time, Moi’s 12-year rule had turned Kenya into a one-party state plagued by corruption, ethnic tensions, and human rights abuses. The detention of prominent cabinet ministers Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia without trial was the final spark that ignited the first Saba Saba protests. Despite state repression, including arrests of over 1,000 protesters, the demonstrations marked a turning point in Kenya’s history.
“It was the day we reclaimed our voice,” said human rights activist Wanjira Wanjiru in an interview with DW. The protests led to Moi’s eventual concession to multi-party democracy, though subsequent elections in 1992 and 1997 were marred by violence and vote-rigging. The Saba Saba movement demonstrated the power of collective action and inspired confidence among ordinary citizens. As Nairobian Eliza Njoroge told DW, “People realized they can speak up and that they have the power.”
Echoes of the Past in Modern Protests
Fast forward to 2025, and the spirit of Saba Saba is alive once more. Recent youth-led protests have erupted in response to issues such as police brutality, economic injustice, and corruption—grievances that echo those of the 1990s. The Finance Bill protests of 2024, which saw President William Ruto forced to shelve controversial taxation measures, highlighted the growing frustration among Kenya’s younger population.
“We are doing the same things we did in 1990. The causes are the same, except that this time it’s in a technologically different environment,” noted David Kyule of the University of Nairobi. Gen Z activists, armed with better education and digital tools, have brought a new dynamic to the protests. Yet, their core grievances—economic disparity, extrajudicial killings, and lack of accountability—remain unchanged.
However, the government’s response has been eerily similar to that of the Moi era. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen’s recent “shoot to kill” directive against protesters and allegations of abductions have raised alarms. “The blatant disregard for human rights is shocking,” Wanjiru told DW. More than 50 people were killed in mid-2024 demonstrations, and the unexplained death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody has fueled further unrest.
Economic Fallout and Societal Impact
The protests have not only shaken Kenya politically but also economically. According to Money254, businesses in Nairobi and surrounding counties like Kiambu and Kajiado shut down during the recent Saba Saba demonstrations, leading to an estimated Ksh8.8 billion in losses in Nairobi alone. Major roads, including Waiyaki Way and Thika Road, were barricaded, turning the Central Business District into a ghost town.
While some traders took precautionary measures, such as welding shop doors shut or relocating goods, others were less fortunate. Supermarkets and government offices in towns like Murang’a and Meru were vandalized. “These are all attempts at cracking down on the people’s voice,” Wanjiru remarked, emphasizing that the focus should be on addressing protesters’ demands rather than suppressing them.
Despite the turmoil, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) showed resilience, gaining Ksh18.2 billion on a single day amidst the unrest. As Business Daily noted, this unexpected market optimism underscores investor confidence even as Kenya grapples with deep social and economic tensions.
The Road Ahead
As Kenya commemorates Saba Saba, the parallels between past and present are striking. While the 1990 protests were led by political figures like Rubia and Matiba, today’s movements are grassroots-driven and decentralized. This lack of centralized leadership has both empowered ordinary citizens and complicated negotiations with the government.
Legislators are now considering a bill to restrict protests within 100 meters of key government institutions, a move critics say is aimed at silencing dissent. “These attempts to crack down on democracy will only inspire more resistance,” Wanjiru warned. Meanwhile, the families of victims like Rex Masai and Albert Ojwang continue to seek justice, a reminder of the human cost of these struggles.
As Kenya navigates this pivotal moment, the enduring legacy of Saba Saba serves as both a reminder of the power of collective action and a call to address the systemic issues that continue to plague the nation.