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The Nairobian

A brief history of Saba Saba

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By Vanessa Akinyi | Jul 08, 2024

On Sunday, July 7, hundreds of Gen Z youth from all over Nairobi streamed into Uhuru Park to attend the Shujaaz Memorial concert. The event commemorating those who were killed during the recent Reject Finance Bill protests featured a slew of artists such as Juliani, Khaligraph Jones, Eric Wainaina, Octopizzo and more.

Artists, organisers and regular Kenyans, all came together to donate their time and resources to the event. The choice to have it on this day was not coincidental as July 7, also popularly referred to as Saba Saba, holds a special place in Kenya’s socio-political history.

Saba Saba can be traced back 34 years to July 7, 1990, when pro-democracy demonstrations swept across the country. The first Saba Saba protest was a mass demonstration held in Nairobi’s Kamkunji grounds organised by the Forum for Restoration of Democracy (FORD) party. The movement led by Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia and Raila Odinga, saw the three opposition leaders swiftly arrested and detained before the event.

Nevertheless, activists and protesters went ahead with the protests demanding an end to one-party rule, introduction of multiparty democracy and an end to human rights abuses. After the demonstrations President Daniel Arap Moi gave into the pressure leading to the removal of Section 2A of the constitution in 1991.

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The following year, Kenya held its first multiparty elections, with roughly eight political parties taking part. Kenyans were able to exercise their previously restricted rights to free speech and assembly, which resulted in an expansion of the democratic space.

Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, is said to have attempted to plant a tree at Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park each year to commemorate Saba Saba but would be forcefuly removed by state agents. Last year, Azimio La Umoja leader, Raila Odinga, held a rally at Kamukunji grounds on July 7, to commemorate the day and push for good governance.

Saba Saba today

The significance of Saba Saba has evolved in modern-day Kenya. Human rights advocates and civil society organisations like Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi, Kenya Human Rights Commission, National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders, the Social Justice Centers’ Working Group and Mathare Social Justice Center continue to push for respect of the constitution, an end to police brutality and enactment of favorable laws and policies.

Saba Saba is more than simply a date it represents perseverance, hope, and the never-ending pursuit of a just and equitable society. The modern battles for justice, equity, and sound government are inspired by its spirit.