How Saba Saba turned into a massive concert at Uhuru Park

Gen Z gathered at uhuru Park for Saba Saba Memorial concert on Sunday, 07, July 2023. {Samson wire, Standard}

July 7th has always been a significant date in Kenya's history, known as Saba Saba Day.

It commemorates the day in 1990 when nationwide protests demanded multi-party democracy, led by leaders such as Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia.

This year, the day took on a new meaning as it transformed into a massive concert at Uhuru Park to honour those killed during the recent anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.

Generation Z organised the concert to remember the 39 Kenyans killed between June 18 and July 1, 2024, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Gen Z Saba Saba prayers at Holy Family Basilica. {Dennish Ochieng, Standard}

The protests also saw 32 abductions and 627 arrests of protesters. Activist Boniface Mwangi, who attended the concert, explained that it was a moment to mourn and honour the sacrifices made.

"The government is listening now because of the protests. So we are kind of happy, but there's also a lot of sadness because so many people died for the government to listen," he said.

Gen Z Saba Saba prayers at Holy Family Basilica. {Dennish Ochieng, Standard}

The Shujaaz Memorial Concert began with prayers across different churches in the city before proceeding to Uhuru Park.

Thousands of Kenyans gathered, holding placards reading "RIP Comrades" and "We promise we'll keep fighting," while chanting "Ruto must go."

Crosses draped in the Kenyan flag and bearing the names of those killed during the protests were erected at the park, symbolising the heroism and martyrdom of the fallen protesters.

Gen Z gathered at uhuru Park for Saba Saba Memorial concert. {Samson wire, Standard}

Despite the heavy emotional atmosphere, the event was marked by vibrant performances from local artists, including Bien, Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo, Juliani, Fena, Nameless, Eric Wainaina, and many others.

Bien performed some of Sauti Sol’s hit songs like ‘Tujiangalie,’ which resonated with the theme of the concert.

Nameless remarked, "Kenya has changed! People are standing up for their rights. I have never seen something like this. Let’s stick together, let’s make a change. For the guys we’ve lost along the way, we are here to celebrate you.”

The concert was a peaceful gathering, with very little police presence reported around key locations such as Archives, Hilton Square, Kimathi Street, and Kenyatta Avenue.

The roads leading to State House and Parliament were sealed off to both pedestrians and motorists, ensuring the event could proceed without disruption.

Police vehicles were strategically parked around Uhuru Park, with officers even offering packed food to some attendees, as seen in a video shared online.

Social media was abuzz with updates and live streams from the event, showing the large turnout and the emotional tributes paid to the fallen protesters.

Videos and photos of the concert circulated widely, capturing moments of solidarity, such as Kenyans waving their national flags and lighting their torches while chanting liberation songs like Juliani’s ‘Utawala.’

Gen Z gathered at uhuru Park for Saba Saba Memorial concert. {Samson wire, Standard}

The Shujaaz Memorial Concert at Uhuru Park demonstrated the power and resilience of Kenya's youth, particularly Gen Z and millennials, in their fight for accountable and corrupt-free leadership.

It was a day of mourning, remembrance, and a renewed vow to continue the struggle for a better Kenya, turning Saba Saba into a symbol of unity and resistance through music and solidarity.

The concert not only honoured the memories of those lost but also reignited the spirit of activism and the call for a better future.