The Saba Saba Significance: A Closer Look at Kenyan Politics and Its Historical Context

Behind the scenes in Kenyan politics, there’s palpable panic as the country approaches July 7, 2023, the iconic Saba Saba day. The urgency is apparent, with reports circulating about Kikuyu elders urging Raila Odinga to cancel his planned rally at Kamukunji on this date. Why the sudden wave of anxiety?

To understand the reason for this panic, we must delve into Kenya’s political history. Many modern political commentators fail to notice that in politics, things don’t just happen overnight. The buildup—comprising rising pressures, political narratives, and propaganda—takes time. This is why July 7, 2023, is seen by many as a pivotal day in Kenyan politics. Right now, opposition to the UDA government is growing, and public dissatisfaction is quickly escalating. This tension mirrors that of 1990, when protests against the then government erupted.

In 1990, President Daniel arap Moi had banned the use of the phrase "Saba Saba" (July 7), a move that led to widespread unrest. The public was furious, particularly after the controversial 1988 "Umlolongo" elections, which were marred by violence and rigging. The subsequent press conference by Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia on May 3, 1990, at the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi—where they called for multi-party politics—only fueled the fire. Their statements were seen as a challenge to Moi’s regime, drawing attention from international players, including the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, who was advocating for democratic principles.

By June 1990, the government cracked down on activists pushing for multi-party democracy, culminating in the opposition’s plans to hold a major rally at Kamukunji on July 7. Despite not being granted a license for the rally, key figures like Matiba, Rubia, and others went ahead to address the crowds anyway. The resulting protests sparked a nationwide movement, signaling a shift in Kenyan political discourse. The dramatic events of that day included the arrest of prominent figures, a high-speed chase involving lawyer Gibson Kamau Kuria, and his eventual escape to political exile, aided by the U.S. Ambassador.

Fast forward to 2023, the parallel between the 1990 and 2023 political climates is striking. Just as in 1990, public resentment towards the current government is building up, and many view the upcoming Saba Saba day as a crucial moment in the country’s political journey. Similar to the past, opposition leaders are preparing to launch nationwide protests and other actions against the government.

The Saba Saba of 1990 ultimately led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution, which had barred multi-party politics, paving the way for Kenya's first multi-party elections in 1992. As we approach the next Saba Saba, it’s clear that the opposition hopes to replicate—or even surpass—the political impact of that transformative day in 1990.