Kabando recalls young Orengo’s bold role in Saba Saba 1990
Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has paid glowing tribute to Siaya Governor James Orengo, recounting his fearless activism during the historic Saba Saba rally of 1990.
In a heartfelt reflection posted on social media as the country marks 35 years since the iconic protest, on Monday, July 7, 2025, Kabando hailed Orengo as a “millennial of that time” who boldly stood up to the Moi regime.
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Kabando highlighted Orengo’s role in sponsoring a motion of no confidence against President Daniel Arap Moi in Parliament, an act of courage that marked him as a beacon of resistance in a period of heavy repression.
He also recalled how Orengo joined forces with fellow political firebrands Martin Shikuku and Masinde Muliro at Kamukunji Grounds on July 7, 1990, in defiance of the government’s clampdown on calls for multiparty democracy.
“A young Orengo, a ‘millennial of that time, even sponsored a motion of no confidence against Moi in parliament. Orengo was with Shikuku & Muliro at Kamukunji Saba Saba in 1990. James Orengo trail lettered in gold. I celebrate you. Long live ‘bearded sister’!” he stated.
His tribute comes hours after Orengo backed the upcoming Saba Saba protests planned by Gen Zs on Monday, July 7, 2025.
Orengo on Saba Saba
In a statement on his official X account on July 6, 2025, Orengo reflected on the original vision of the Saba Saba movement, saying it was rooted in the 2010 Constitution.
However, he expressed concern that the values it stood for have been steadily eroded, including the weakening of key institutions and the blurring of lines between church and state.
As one of the original founders of the Saba Saba movement in the early 1990s, Orengo emphasised the need to continue the struggle
. He expressed solidarity with the youth and urged them to carry on the legacy of movements like Mwakenya and Saba Saba as they push for accountability and reforms.
“The dream of Saba Saba was enshrined in Katiba 2010. Before the ink dried, it was turned on its head, and every pillar of it weakened. Everything has not been spared, including the separation of church and state. So the struggle must continue: Mwakenya, Saba Saba, Genz, and on and on,” Orengo said.
