Saba Saba Day And Loved Politicians Being Exposed Of Past Sins

 Today marks Saba Saba Day, a day that 34 years ago, I was just a young journalist, having started my career about six years earlier. At that time, I had no involvement in politics. I was completely unaware of my destiny and purpose, yet it was impossible to ignore the unprecedented political activities unfolding in Kenya. On Sabba Sabba Day, 1990, a Saturday, the opposition announced a major rally at the historical Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi. Back then, protests were unheard of, and challenging the mighty regime of President Daniel arap Moi was considered suicidal. Yet, Kenyans were utterly fed up with the dictatorial, propaganda-driven rule.

By the time Saba Saba Day arrived, the government had already taken action: several leading opposition figures were arrested, including Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and others. Meanwhile, the mysterious death of Dr. John Robert Ouko, the then Foreign Affairs Minister, had shocked the nation. Ouko had once been a defender of Moi's regime abroad, but his tragic demise exposed the regime’s brutality. Alongside this, a document titled "Operation Bikini" emerged from Uganda, revealing plans to silence the opposition, with a focus on Nicholas Kaggia, a key figure in Moi's inner circle.

That Saba Saba Day was not sunny but overcast, as brave patriots like Martin Shikuku, Kimani Wanjiru, and others emerged in an old pickup truck, armed only with megaphones and flashing the peace sign, heading toward the rally. They never made it there—intercepted by the security forces, they were arrested after a brief standoff. Protests erupted, and many Kenyans lost their lives. While the government claimed fewer than half a dozen fatalities, the true toll was much higher.

President Moi ignored the significant events of that Saturday, and Kenyans knew it well—he had boasted that KANU would rule for 100 years, claiming that multi-party democracy was unsuitable for Africa. Most analysts at the time believed him, yet just months later, in a surprising move at a KANU delegates conference, Moi announced the introduction of multi-party democracy, signaling the beginning of the end for the KANU regime.

Fast forward to the early hours of Saba Saba Day, 2024. The atmosphere is entirely different. Keen political observers can see that the current regime is crumbling fast. Protests, particularly led by the youth, have exposed the vulnerabilities of the Ruto administration. While the protests on Thursday were somewhat disappointing, with limited turnout and localized demonstrations, to those of us analyzing the situation, it is clear that the days of this regime are numbered. The protests have grown more organized, with 14 days of planned action including Tuesday and Thursday protests, but there is something far more devastating unfolding.

One critical mistake the Ruto government made was its decision to abduct and harm unarmed protesters. While Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has condemned these actions, more powerful forces within the regime have pushed for them, and this has been a catastrophic misstep. The bodies of those killed have been draped in the Kenyan flag, which has had a profound psychological impact on the people. The story of the first victim, Rex Messi, whose body was transported to Machakos for burial, has become a rallying cry. The people of Machakos, where both my late political mentor and wife are buried, are asking why Messi is being treated like a national hero, though he was just a young, unknown man.

The exposure of the regime’s internal dealings has also escalated. A figure known as "Pillar of Hope" has emerged on social media, revealing damaging secrets about the Ruto regime—secrets so strange they rival fiction. Among the revelations is information about the missing Eurobond money, detailing how it ended up in the pockets of powerful individuals who continue to profit from it. This exposure is pushing the situation to a breaking point.

What is happening now is similar to what occurred at the end of President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration: betrayal. As the Ruto regime crumbles, many insiders are jumping ship, trying to align themselves with the future. Some are even revealing secrets in a bid to secure their place in the new order, much like how certain politicians and businessmen sought to secure their positions during the transition of power in 2022.

This exposure is becoming overwhelming, and the public is beginning to realize the deep corruption that pervades both the opposition and the government. It's leading to a demand for a fresh start, a new beginning without the corrupt politicians who have perpetuated Kenya’s struggles.

As we reflect on these weighty issues this Saba Saba Day, it is clear that the revelations about Kenya's political system are forcing us to confront the skeletons in our national closet. The situation is evolving rapidly, and while it’s difficult to predict what will happen next, one thing is certain: change is coming, and it is coming fast.