We have made progress but be vigilant, says Martha Karua

Martha Karua

While major strides have been made towards the cause that led many to the streets in the original Saba Saba, Kenyans must jealously guard the gains made, especially through the Constitution, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has said.

Ms Karua, who was among the steadfast leaders who participated in the demonstrations of July 7, 1990 that were characterised by police brutality and mass arrests, said she remembers the events with pride.

The former Gichugu MP said Kenyans must remain vigilant to ensure these achievements are not clawed back, especially by the ruling administration. She said the Government and all leaders must cultivate a culture of constitutionalism, adding that Kenya must remain a county where the rule of law thrives.

"We have moved progressively forward since those dark days. We now have a progressive Constitution, which was our main clamour, giving us the freedom and inclusivity we so fought for," said Karua. "The only problem is how we apply this Constitution. Thankfully, there are many ways of ensuring it is rightly applied, including moving to courts and making petitions," she added.

The former Justice Minister said Kenyans would remember how the then opposition leaders were tortured, and some even lost their lives as they fought for the democratic space that we enjoy today. She said the blood of those heroes must not be allowed to have been shed in vain.

"Some Kenyans, especially the younger generation may not know that we were not even allowed to meet, including in our houses. The freedom of association was outlawed. We are now not where we were then. Kenyans must not allow the State, or anyone else to take away these rights now," said Karua.