Saba Saba Day is a historic day for Kenya. The day is remembered for the massive pro-democracy rally that happened on July 7, 1990, when Kenyans went to the streets, demanding free elections and an end to the one-party state’s authoritarian rule.
By then, Kenya was being governed by a one-party, the Kenya African National Union (KANU), and opposition was usually answered with bad government crackdowns.
The rally was led by opposition leaders Kenneth Matiba, Raila Odinga and Charles Rubia.
The protests were met with deadly force police; people were killed and arrested. Many of those detained remained in custody for months, unable to afford bail.
No police officers or commanders were ever held accountable for such unlawful acts.
Despite the oppression, Saba Saba was a turning point; it helped pave the way for the restoration of multi-party politics in Kenya in 1992.
Modern context
That historical moment was crucial, led by the anti-colonial generation and Generation X.
What is the significance of the current Gen Z movement, activists and civil society groups and what opportunity does it offer our collective future?
Today, Kenya stands at another crucial moment.
In the past few weeks, people have died, been arrested, and some abducted across different counties.
