Karua outlines how Saba Saba Day should be celebrated
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has outlined how the Saba Saba Day should be celebrated.
Karua, who is among the notable leaders who midwifed the second liberation, indicated that the Gen Zs had demonstrated that protests could be peaceful, and that the violence is occasioned by the state.
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“It should be a day to celebrate the freedoms we have gained so far. Gen Z have shown that Kenyans can have large-scale demonstrations that are peaceful. In 2024, the protests were beautiful, they were like a carnival, coming out, a show of patriotism,” Karua said.
“Violence and death were introduced by the state. What we have seen is like vengeance from the regime, you dare express yourself, we will crash you, we will kill you,” she remarked.
Violent celebrations
The 35th Saba Saba commemoration took a violent turn after the protests resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, 107 injured and at least 532 arrests countrywide.
Two cases of enforced disappearances were also documented, along with widespread destruction of property whose value runs into millions of shillings.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the KNCHR stated that it was continuing to monitor and follow up on all reports and incidents related to the July 7 demonstrations.
“We strongly condemn all human rights violations and urge accountability from all responsible parties, including the police, civilians, and all stakeholders,” the commission stated.
Nationwide protests
According to KNCHR, the protests that took place across multiple counties were met with a heavy-handed police response and marked by serious human rights breaches.
The organisation observed that violations of this kind, especially those perpetrated in full view of the state, must not go unpunished.
The agency also expressed concern about property destruction and the ongoing harassment of protestors, human rights defenders, and journalists.
This comes just a day after the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, thanked the police officers for what he termed exercising restraint and guarding Nairobi city from destruction.
“The structure we put in place today ensured many goons and criminals did not get a chance to invade properties. But at the same time, many Kenyans were inconvenienced. Some could not access their offices. Others stayed away out of fear. Poleni sana, but we did this to keep you and your property safe,” Murkomen said.
