'Those in power clueless on changes we fought for in the 90s'

KENYA: Only those who were beaten, arrested and detained during Saba Saba in the early 90s because of their belief in reforms and fairness for all Kenyans can understand what the common mwananchi needs, Siaya senator James Orengo has said.

He believes the country could have achieved more if those who struggled and were at the centre of the fight for multi-partism were in power.

"Those who have been able to lead the country such as President Uhuru Kenyatta and former President Mwai Kibaki are reaping the fruits of the struggle of others and do not believe in change that can help the lives of Kenyans," he said.

He said the beneficiaries of Saba Saba were in Kanu when the likes of Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader Raila Odinga, Bishop Timothy Njoya, Bishop Henry Okullu, Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Martin Shikuku and Gitobu Imanyara were fighting for multi party democracy.

The Siaya senator recalled how on the first Saba saba Day, people were killed while many, including Raila were arrested and detained.

Orengo said that after realising that demonstrations only could not help them achieve their objective, they formed a forum that could champion for the cause. This led to the birth of Forum for Restoration of Democracy (FORD).

He however stated that currently there is increased political space due to establishment of political parties and also improvement of development in infrastructure and education.

Orengo said despite the gains made, there is still intolerance to divergent political views and that the media still lacks space.

"Under the guise of hate speech, this regime is using legislations to target the media and the opposition who question their bad deeds," he said.

And Former Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara, who was incarcerated several times for his association with the multi party advocates, agrees. "The things we were against are slowly coming back. Look at how the media has been muzzled, and democratic space in the country has been limited," he said.

Imanyara said the initial objective of Saba Saba was to push for multiparty reforms, freedom of speech and assembly, and fundamental freedoms. "Corruption has also hit the roof tops. If we evaluate where we came from, one won't be surprised to find out that we are in early 90s. Look at how tribalism has taken root in our country. Isn't this what we fought against?" he added.

When he was detained, Imanyara was accused of using his journal The Nairobi Law Monthly to publish seditious material which undermined the Government. He recalls: "The crackdowns and subsequent arrests did not kill our spirit and Kanu gave in in 1991."