NAIROBI, Kenya – On Monday, Nairobi was gripped by tension and silence as Kenya commemorated Saba Saba Day, a significant moment in the nation’s democratic history. The annual observance, held every 7th of July, marks the pro-democracy uprising of 1990, when Kenyans rose against the repressive one-party rule of then-President Daniel arap Moi, demanding a return to multi-party democracy.
More than three decades later, the spirit of that historic day continues to resonate, especially among younger generations. But the context has changed: now, the struggle is not just about political pluralism, but also about economic inequality, corruption, and the use of state force against civilians.
In anticipation of fresh demonstrations, Kenyan police set up multiple roadblocks across Nairobi, effectively sealing off central parts of the capital. The usually bustling city center was eerily quiet as shops remained closed, public transportation was limited, and pedestrians were turned away from key entry points.
Kenya Under Tight Security Amid Protest Fears
The security measures come in the wake of last month’s violent protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations but quickly descended into chaos. Dozens of lives were lost, thousands of businesses were vandalized or looted, and public trust in both the police and the government continues to erode.
Activists and civil society groups say this year’s Saba Saba Day should have been a time of reflection and renewal. Instead, it became a stark reminder of how far the country still has to go in protecting the democratic values it once fought so hard to reclaim.
Many of the protesters are young Nairobians, disillusioned by high unemployment, rampant corruption, and poor living conditions. Despite being one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Kenya’s prosperity has not translated into improved livelihoods for the majority. An estimated 80% of Kenyans work in the informal sector, often without job security, healthcare, or legal protections.
“People are tired of being ignored,” said Nerima Wako, a political activist based in Nairobi. “The cost of living keeps going up, and when they speak out, they’re met with bullets and batons.”
That frustration was evident online, where many took to social media to express their anger and disappointment. One post by activist Hanifa Aden on X (formerly Twitter) captured the mood: “The police getting rained on as they block every road while we stay at home warming our beds. Total shutdown and forced holiday executed by the state.”
Adding to the tension was an incident on Sunday, when men armed with sticks disrupted a press conference organized by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission. The event was intended to call for an end to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, but was broken up before any meaningful discussion could take place.
Since June 2024, human rights monitors report that at least 80 people have died in protest-related violence. Many others have been arrested without due process. This environment of intimidation has discouraged many would-be demonstrators from taking to the streets, even as grievances mount.
Despite the unrest, President William Ruto, elected in 2022, maintains a firm grip on power. His alliance with opposition figure Raila Odinga has left the political landscape without a clear challenger heading into the 2027 elections. Critics argue this coalition has blurred the lines between government and opposition, stifling political accountability.
“Every time people organize a protest, the state responds with lethal force,” said Wako. “That only deepens resentment and radicalizes people who might otherwise have remained peaceful.”
Observers note the eerie resemblance between today’s crackdowns and the tactics used during Moi’s authoritarian regime. But they caution that the political context has shifted dramatically.
“We’re not in the 1990s anymore,” said Gabrielle Lynch, a professor of African politics at the University of Warwick. “The Kenyan public—especially the youth—no longer carries the same fear of the state. They’re connected, informed, and they demand accountability.”
Social media has been a key tool in mobilizing protest and sharing real-time updates from the ground, making it harder for the government to control narratives or suppress dissent silently.
As the sun set over Nairobi on Saba Saba Day 2025, the city remained under tight security, but the silence spoke volumes. While the government succeeded in preventing mass demonstrations on the day, the underlying frustrations remain unresolved.
In a city that once led the charge for democracy, many fear that the gains of the past are slowly being undone. But others believe that the continued engagement of Nairobi’s youth signals hope—that despite the repression, the spirit of Saba Saba still lives on.
Source- EWN
