Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa has issued a sharp warning to protesters ahead of the planned Saba Saba demonstrations, telling them to steer clear of invading politicians’ homes, saying such threats would be met with firm resistance.
Speaking on Sunday, July 6, 2025, during a joint press briefing in Nairobi with MPs, Aladwa said the rhetoric around “occupying leaders’ homes” was dangerous and disrespectful.
“Hizi vitisho za kusema tutaoccupy nyumba za Mheshimiwa fulani… kuoccupy si rahisi. Hata sisi tunaweza occupy sisi wenyewe, lakini hatutaki kufika hiyo laini,” Aladwa said.
Which is loosely translated as: “These threats about occupying the homes of certain leaders, occupying is not easy. Even we can retaliate, but we don’t want to go down that road.”
He said as a democratically elected representative of Makadara, he does not fear anyone except God and owes his allegiance to the people who voted for him.
“Watu wa Makadara wamenichagua. Kama mwakilishi wao, sifai kuogopa mtu yeyote, na nitaongea ukweli. Na wamesema niwaambie, kama wengine wataoccupy, basi nao wataoccupiwa,” he added.
Which is loosely translated as: “The people of Makadara elected me. As their representative, I shouldn’t fear anyone. And they’ve told me to say if some occupy, they too will be occupied.”
Aladwa emphasized the need for mutual respect and restraint among citizens, warning that retaliatory actions could spiral into chaos.
“Nataka watu wapeane heshima. Wachungane na wasitharauliane,” he said.
Which is loosely translated as: “I want people to respect each other. Let’s be cautious and not provoke one another.”
Calls for calm
Esther Passaris, who also addressed the media, echoed the call for calm, urging demonstrators to avoid destruction or violence and resist manipulation by divisive headlines or foreign-funded agendas.
With the July 7 Saba Saba protests expected to draw significant participation, especially among youth-led movements, the legislators emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, protecting lives, and prioritising dialogue over destruction.
This year’s protests echo the spirit of the original Saba Saba Day, first marked on July 7, 1990, when Kenyans rallied for the reintroduction of multi-party democracy.
Today’s Gen Z protests, much like those of the 1990s, reflect a continued struggle to steer the country away from political instability and autocracy, this time driven by demands for economic justice, accountability, and inclusive governance.
Aladwa’s remarks underscore growing concern among leaders about the direction and tone of the ongoing demonstrations.
