Kenya on Edge as Saba Saba Day Approaches: Protests Loom Over Economic and Political Tensions

Nairobi, Kenya (AX) — As Kenya prepares to commemorate Saba Saba Day, the air is thick with anticipation and anxiety. Mass protests are expected across the nation, spurred by weeks of public outcry over police brutality, severe economic challenges, and a controversial protest bill that has ignited widespread condemnation. How did we reach this critical juncture, and what does it mean for the future of a nation rich in history yet fraught with contemporary challenges?

In a surprising turn of events, on the eve of these anticipated demonstrations, Nairobi’s Woman Representative, Esther Passaris, announced the suspension of the pre-publication process for the Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025. This contentious legislation seeks to prohibit protests within 100 meters of government institutions, including Parliament and State House. “I have decided to pause the pre-publication process to allow for national dialogue and wide public engagement,” Passaris stated on Monday. Her choice came after fervent appeals from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) to withdraw the bill altogether. The call for dialogue is both a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the delicate balance between order and freedom.

The NCCK welcomed her decision and simultaneously urged security forces to safeguard the rights of those wishing to demonstrate. In a strong statement released Sunday, the council condemned what they described as Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s alarming “shoot-to-kill” directive, emphasizing the need to exercise restraint and avoid lethal force against citizens seeking to make their voices heard.

As dawn broke on Monday, key roads leading into Nairobi’s Central Business District were barricaded by riot police, ready for possible unrest. Traffic came to a standstill on critical arteries such as Waiyaki Way and Mombasa Road, leaving countless individuals stranded. Meanwhile, Kenya Railways canceled overnight trains, and many schools and businesses chose to shut their doors to mitigate potential damage. The reality of these actions raises a poignant question: how do we strike a balance between public safety and the right to gather peacefully?

“While Article 37 guarantees the right to peaceful protest, any violent or armed gatherings will be treated as criminal offences,” warned police spokesperson Michael Muchiri during a televised interview. This assertion highlights a broader concern: the precarious tension that exists between the state and its citizens, who seek to express dissatisfaction with the status quo. In this volatile climate, the potential for conflict looms large.

The emotions boiling beneath the surface were galvanized by the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger who died in police custody earlier this month. His funeral on Friday in Kakoth Village attracted thousands of mourners, each one impacted by his untimely demise. An autopsy revealed injuries consistent with torture, which starkly contradicted police assertions of self-harm. Ojwang’s widow, Nevnina Omondi, hauntingly recalled his last words: “I love you” and “See you soon.” These simple yet powerful phrases resonate deeply, serving as a somber reminder of the stakes involved. Are we, as a society, willing to tolerate such loss in the name of accountability?

“This is not just about Albert,” said activist Odhiambo Ojiro at the funeral. “It’s about every young person who risks arrest or death for speaking out.” His words reverberate through the anguish felt by so many and highlight the broader implications of Ojwang’s death, drawing attention to the systemic injustices affecting the youth of Kenya.

In response to mounting pressure, Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has now charged six individuals, including three police officers, in relation to Ojwang’s murder. However, the political ramifications extend further. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has warned that repeated protests could undermine Kenya’s investment climate. “While the right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution, violence and destruction of property undermine that very freedom,” he cautioned.

Some traders, particularly in Nairobi’s OTC area — a site severely affected by looting during prior protests — have taken proactive measures, reinforcing shops with metal grills and even moving inventory to their homes. This ongoing state of fear raises the question: at what point does a citizen’s right to protest infringe upon the rights of others to pursue their livelihoods?

Adding to the tension, President William Ruto grapples with a mounting wave of dissatisfaction. His administration stands accused of failing to deliver on promises to uplift the working class and of exacerbating issues surrounding police violence. Protesters have now dubbed him “Zakayo,” likening him to the biblical tax collector, their accusations rooted in a perceived elitism and pervasive corruption.

Calls for Ruto’s resignation are growing louder, encapsulated by the slogan “wantam” — meaning “one term.” Protesters accuse the president of co-opting opposition voices, stifling dissent, and weaponizing security forces against his own citizens. In a defiant recent speech, Ruto declared, “If there’s no country for William Ruto, there’s no country for you.” But one must wonder: what vision for Kenya does that sentiment truly represent?

This year’s Saba Saba Day, recognized annually on July 7, is marked by a renewed spirit of activism reminiscent of the pro-democracy protests of 1990 which led Kenya to abandon its one-party rule. As energy rallies among the youth, it feels as if history might be repeating itself, spotlighting calls for genuine accountability and systemic reform.

“Kenya today feels more fragile than it did three years ago,” noted Declan Galvin, an analyst from Exigent Risk Advisory. “The young are politically aware and increasingly fearless.” But will this fearlessness translate into lasting change, or will it be met with further repression?

As the nation stands on the precipice of potential tumult, the imperative for dialogue remains clear. Each protester is not merely a voice but a heartbeat in the collective call for justice. Will those in power listen?

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.