Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma has issued a stern warning to Kenyans against taking part in the planned Saba Saba protests.
In a statement published on his X account on July 2, Kaluma dismissed any prospects of marking the Saba Saba anniversary this year, advising Kenyans to focus on their daily activities instead of going to the streets. He urged citizens to make themselves busy on their farms, in schools, and workplaces, stating that building the country should take priority over protests.
“There will be no Saba Saba this year. Kenyans go to school, go to work, and go to the farm. Build Kenya!” Kaluma wrote.
The lawmaker has in recent weeks been vocal in his criticism of public protests, consistently warning Kenyans against what he describes as politically motivated disruptions disguised as activism.
His sentiments come just days after controversial blogger Fanya Mambo Kinuthia also cautioned Kenyans against taking part in the planned demonstrations. Kinuthia, who has gained attention for his strong political commentary.
Speaking on a popular podcast on July 2, Fanya Mambo warned that the protests are likely to turn bloody, as has been the case in the past, with many young people losing their lives on the streets.
According to him, he foresees a situation similar to that of June 25, where peaceful protests were infiltrated by goons.
He believes the Saba Saba protests might be even worse, with goons hired by business owners to guard their premises, others by the state, and police equipped with anti-riot gear ready to confront protesters.
He said such a situation will not be favourable for any young person genuinely taking part in the demonstrations.
“I will not tell you if it is worth going to the streets or not, but I will paint a picture of how our streets are going to look: one, there will be innocent Gen Zs with flags and water on the streets; two, there will be a collection of horrible goons brought by politicians, as they are always doing, to come and beat up innocent demonstrators.
“The shop owners have decided that enough is enough; they have decided to arm their own. Ask yourself as a young person, Where do you fit in?” Fanya Mambo said.
Saba Saba protests
On July 7, 1990, Kenya’s Saba Saba protests marked a turning point in the fight for multiparty democracy. Under Daniel arap Moi’s authoritarian regime, a 1982 constitutional amendment had entrenched KANU’s one-party rule, stifling dissent.
Economic hardship, corruption, and the murder of Foreign Minister Robert Ouko fuelled public anger.
Activists like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia planned a pro-democracy rally at Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds, demanding political reform.
Despite government bans and the arrests of key organisers, thousands gathered on July 7, sparking nationwide protests. Police responded with tear gas, batons, and live bullets, killing over 20 people and injuring thousands.
The four-day unrest, which spread to Nakuru and Nyeri, highlighted widespread discontent. The Saba Saba protests forced Moi to repeal Section 2A in 1991, restoring multiparty politics. This “Second Liberation” laid the groundwork for Kenya’s democratic reforms, though challenges like police brutality persist during annual commemorations.
