Youth reignite spirit of Saba Saba with concert

Youthful protestors dance on the streets of Nakuru town during the anti-tax protests on July 2, 2024. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

In a powerful resurgence of the spirit that defined the Saba Saba movement, Generation Z is organising a concert at Uhuru Park to honour their fallen peers in the anti-tax protests.

The event, dubbed Shujaaz Memorial Concert, will run from 12 pm to 7 pm, serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and democracy in Kenya.

Boniface Mwangi, one of the organisers, said the event is not only a tribute but also a rallying cry, drawing parallels between the current fight against government corruption and repression, and the historic Saba Saba movement of the 1990s.

“We are organising a concert on Sunday to honour those who passed away the previous week. It will reflect the spirit of Saba Saba day.

‘‘It will be peaceful, and the Nairobi County government has given us a permit to use the grounds, so we urge you all to come out in large numbers,” said Boniface Mwangi.

Njeru Kathangu, one of the original planners of the Saba Saba movement, compared the current state of activism in Kenya to that of 1990.

‘‘Back then, we were talking to each other using landlines, knowing our conversations were tapped by the Special Branch. It was very difficult to communicate freely,” said Njeru.

Despite the differences in communication methods, Kathangu highlighted a significant similarity between the two eras.

“The stage is the same. The Saba Saba of 1990 resembles the current movement because of the greed of leaders, impunity, and creeping repression and dictatorship. This is what is happening in Kenya now,” he said.

Kathangu pointed out that President William Ruto, despite being newly elected, is not exempt from the issues created by the previous regime.

“Ruto has just come into leadership. Nevertheless, he still belonged to the presidency in the last 10 to 12 years. He cannot preclude himself from the mess caused by the past regime,” Kathangu said.

He drew parallels between the demands of the past and present movements: “In 1990, Saba Saba was about the introduction of multi-party politics, reducing opulence, and greed in government. Today, the young people are fighting against continuous borrowing, feeding the stomachs of leaders, and the blatant disregard of the law.”

Kathangu highlighted the economic disparity in Kenya, stating that “only 300,000 Kenyans are benefiting directly from the government’s programmes. The rest of Kenyans are wallowing in poverty’’.

Expressing his pride and support for the young generation, Kathangu said, “The young people are justified to do what they are doing. If their grandparents and fathers are unable, they are supposed to be the national warriors. That is their qualification—fighting for the nation and their communities.” In a statement, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) emphasised the alarming parallels between the repression faced by protesters during the Saba Saba demonstrations in 1990 and the current methods employed by the government.

The ICJ remarked, “The repressive tactics reminiscent of President Daniel arap Moi’s regime, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the use of excessive force, highlight a disturbing regression in the protection of human rights in Kenya.”

Victims and survivors representatives echoed these sentiments, noting that despite the passage of more than three decades, the struggle for democracy and human rights remains perilous.

“We are deeply concerned that history is repeating itself,” stated a spokesperson. The deaths of 41 individuals in the recent protests underscore the urgent need for accountability and reforms.”

Human rights activists stressed the importance of honouring the legacy of the Saba Saba movement by continuing to advocate for justice and constitutionalism.

 “The sacrifices made by those who fought for democratic freedoms in the 1990s should not be in vain. We must hold the current administration accountable for its actions and ensure that the rights of all Kenyans are upheld,” said the statement.

The statement called for immediate measures to address the ongoing human rights violations and for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with civil society.

“We urge the authorities to cease the use of violence against protestors and to respect the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and assembly,” the ICJ stated.

Kenya Human Rights in a tweet has asked Kenyans to come out in large to honor those who stood up against the finance bill but unfortunately lost their lives adding that they will fight to get justice for those who lost their lives.

“Let’s come together for the concert happening at Uhuru Park this Sunday in honor of Kenyans who stood up against the finance bill. We will continue fighting for justice till the officers who took their lives are apprehended,” said KHRC.