Saba Saba, meaning “Seven Seven” in Swahili, marks July 7 as a pivotal date in Kenya’s struggle for democracy. Its origins trace back to 1990 when opposition leaders, including Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, called for a pro-democracy rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi. The detention of Matiba and Rubia without trial ignited nationwide protests, demanding multi-party democracy under President Daniel Arap Moi’s autocratic regime. Since then, Saba Saba has evolved into a powerful symbol of resistance against political repression, corruption, and economic injustice. This feature traces the major Saba Saba events from 1990 to July 7, 2025, highlighting their significance and outcomes, particularly following Matiba’s detention.
1990: The Birth of Saba Saba
On July 7, 1990, despite a government ban, thousands of Kenyans defied President Moi’s regime to demand free elections and multi-party democracy. Prominent opposition figures like Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Raila Odinga, James Orengo, Gitobu Imanyara, Gibson Kamau Kuria, and Wangari Maathai faced arrests and detention without trial. Police violently dispersed protesters, resulting in fatalities and widespread unrest. These protests, primarily triggered by Matiba and Rubia’s detention, marked a turning point. The sustained pressure forced Moi to repeal Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991, which restored multi-party politics in what became known as Kenya’s “Second Liberation.”
1991–2000: Saba Saba as a Symbol of Resistance
Throughout the 1990s, Saba Saba became an annual rallying point for Kenyans advocating for democratic reforms. Protests during this decade primarily focused on ending Moi’s one-party rule, which was characterized by kleptocracy, widespread corruption, and state abuse. The movement gained significant momentum with the end of the Cold War and Kenya’s stagnating economy, both of which weakened Moi’s grip on power. Annual demonstrations often faced police brutality, but they successfully cemented July 7 as a crucial date for demanding political accountability. By 2000, Saba Saba’s persistent legacy had contributed to significant constitutional reforms and the eventual end of Moi’s 24-year presidency in 2002.
2008: Vigil for Post-Election Violence Victims
In 2008, human rights activist Maina Kiai organized a Saba Saba vigil to honor victims of the 2007–2008 post-election violence. This tragic period saw over 1,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. The vigil served to highlight ongoing issues of state violence and impunity, reinforcing Saba Saba’s crucial role as a platform for demanding justice and accountability for past wrongs.
2010: Celebrating Constitutional Reform
On Saba Saba 2010, activists Ndung’u Wainaina and Gladwell Otieno celebrated the newly promulgated Constitution as a fulfillment of many of the 1990 protests’ goals. The new Constitution introduced devolution of power, a comprehensive Bill of Rights, and significant checks on executive power. These reforms directly addressed some of Saba Saba’s core demands for greater accountability and public participation in governance. However, persistent challenges such as corruption and police brutality continued to underscore the work that remained.
2020: Condemning Youth Killings
In 2020, activist Gacheke Gachihi utilized Saba Saba to condemn the killings of youth in informal settlements, often linked to police violence. These protests underscored the ongoing issues of extrajudicial killings and economic marginalization, demonstrating that Saba Saba remained highly relevant in addressing systemic injustices impacting vulnerable populations.
2021: “We Are Tired” March
Jerotich Seii led a Saba Saba protest walk in Nairobi in 2021 under the powerful slogan “We Are Tired.” This march focused on demands for economic equity and an end to governance failures. The demonstration reflected growing public frustration with economic exclusion and state repression, powerfully echoing the original 1990 demands for dignity and justice for all Kenyans.
2024: Commemorating Protest Victims
In 2024, Kenyans held a Saba Saba concert to remember those killed in anti-government protests, particularly the Gen Z-led demonstrations against a controversial tax bill. These protests, which began in June 2024, tragically resulted in over 60 deaths and famously culminated in the storming of Parliament. The concert underscored the continuity of Saba Saba’s spirit in addressing issues of police brutality and economic injustice.
2025: Saba Saba Amid Renewed Tensions
On July 7, 2025, Kenya commemorated the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba amid heightened unrest following the Gen Z-led protests of 2024–2025. These demonstrations, sparked by tax hikes, police brutality, and economic exclusion, saw thousands take to the streets. Social media platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok amplified calls for demonstrations with hashtags like #SabaSabaRevolutionDay and #77NiNumbers. The National Alternative Alliance, led by Arnold Maliba and Kennedy Ondiek, organized protests to critique President William Ruto’s governance.
However, tensions escalated sharply. On July 6, an armed gang attacked the Kenya Human Rights Commission’s headquarters during a press conference calling for an end to state violence, signaling heightened risks for activists. In Mombasa, police declined a protest permit, citing intelligence about potential infiltration by “goons.” Schools and businesses braced for disruptions, with some closing on July 7 due due to fears of violence. The National Council of Churches of Kenya urged police restraint, while the Motorists Association of Kenya called for respect for the constitutional right to protest.
Recent protests have been marked by tragedy. In June 2025, at least eight people died, with Amnesty Kenya reporting that most were killed by police during anti-government demonstrations. The death of 22-year-old Boniface Kariuki, shot in the head, and the disappearance of blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, reportedly detained by security forces, fueled public outrage. A High Court subsequently ordered police to produce Kinyagia or explain his whereabouts, highlighting ongoing issues of abductions and extrajudicial killings.
Significance and Evolution
Unlike the 1990 protests, which had clear leaders like Matiba, the 2024–2025 demonstrations are largely grassroots, driven by Gen Z without defined leadership or overt ethnic affiliations. Analyst Mutuma Kithinji notes that both movements share a fundamental demand for better leadership, accountability, and economic justice. Saba Saba has evolved from a specific fight for multi-party democracy to a broader, more inclusive call for human rights, good governance, and an end to state violence. However, persistent challenges like police brutality, corruption, and economic inequity continue to show that the ideals of 1990 remain unfulfilled for many Kenyans.
Since Kenneth Matiba’s detention in 1990, Saba Saba has stood as a beacon of Kenya’s resistance against oppression. From the violent crackdowns of the 1990s to the powerful Gen Z-led protests of 2025, July 7 remains a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability. As Kenyans continue to take to the streets, Saba Saba’s legacy endures, effectively blending traditional protest methods with digital activism to demand a more just and equitable future.