5 reasons why Kenyans commemorate Saba Saba Day
By Isaac Mutia, July 8, 2025Saba Saba Day is a very crucial day in Kenya.
This day holds significant historical and political importance. Commemorated on July 7 every year, this day marks a turning point in Kenya’s struggle for multi-party democracy. Here are 5 reasons why Kenyans commemorate Saba Saba Day.
“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” Raila stated. “The violation of human rights is still a challenge in the country. The economy has not performed as we expected. Saba Saba was meant to bring people together for a common cause,” he asserted.
According to political pundits, the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody last month gave the protests fresh impetus, fuelling anger against the authorities and bringing hundreds onto the streets. Having been initiated over 30 years ago, Saba Saba still holds significance to Kenyans. Here are some of the major reasons why Kenya commemorates this important day.
Multiparty democracy
July 7, 1990, was the day of a major protest demanding the end of one-party rule under President Daniel arap Moi.
Some of the major key political figures include Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, leaders who were instrumental in pushing for democratic reforms. According to history, this was a bold act of defiance against a repressive regime and sparked a wider movement for democratic change.
Civil liberties and political freedoms
For 35 years, Saba Saba has continued to honour the sacrifices of activists, politicians, and citizens who were detained, tortured, or killed while fighting for civil rights. It is a day to reflect on the gains made in freedom of expression, assembly, and the press.
Symbol of resistance
Over the years, Saba Saba has become a rallying point for social justice movements. Citizens and civil society groups use the day to highlight ongoing issues like corruption, poor governance, inequality, and police brutality.
Cost of democracy
The events of Saba Saba 1990 led to violent crackdowns by police, arrests, and unrest, yet they also led to the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in 1991.
The day reminds Kenyans that democracy is hard-won and must be protected.
Platform for civic engagement
Modern Saba Saba Day events often include marches, forums, lectures, and social media campaigns. Most importantly, the Saba Saba day encourages active citizenship, where people hold leaders accountable and push for continued reform and inclusion.
Speaking during an interview on a local radio station on 1st July, businessman Jimmy Wanjigi emphasised both the historical and symbolic weight of Saba Saba in Kenya, calling it “Heroes Day” and “Revolution Day.”
He urged all Kenyans to show up in unity, describing the current moment as a generational uprising akin to past movements that shaped the country’s democratic foundations.
“This Saba Saba day in Kenya is phenomenal—it marked the second liberation, when young people stood up and fought. We must mark it,” he said.
According to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who spoke at a press briefing on Sunday, 7 July, the recent demos have not yet solved our problems as Kenyans. The ideals that inspired the 1990 demonstrations remain largely unfulfilled, citing ongoing economic hardships, police brutality, and human rights violations as symptoms of a deeper democratic backslide.
This statement by Raila confirms the fact that Kenya still struggles with issues like human rights, especially after cases of deaths were reported where the police fired to disperse demonstrators in Nairobi, where Kenyans were marking the 35th anniversary of pro-democracy rallies on Monday, 7 July.
According to police reports, 11 people were killed nationwide during the anti-government protests, as well as dozens injured.