Former MP Joe Mutambu questions calls for Saba Saba protests
By Sharon Atieno, July 7, 2026Former Mwingi Central Member of Parliament (MP) Joe Mutambu has questioned whether the annual Saba Saba anniversary should continue being marked through street demonstrations, arguing that the original objective of the historic movement was achieved when Kenya restored multiparty democracy.
Speaking during an interview with a local station on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Mutambu said the struggle of the early 1990s had a clear mission to repeal Section 2A of the Constitution and end the one-party state.
“The fight for multiparty democracy had one clear objective: repeal Section 2A and restore multiparty democracy in Kenya. That objective was achieved. So today, should Saba Saba be a day of demonstrations or a day of commemoration?” Mutambu posed.
Calls for commemoration
Mutambu maintained that while the sacrifices made by pro-democracy champions should never be forgotten, Kenyans should reflect on the gains achieved instead of turning every Saba Saba anniversary into protests.
His remarks come as the country marks the 36th anniversary of the historic July 7, 1990 demonstrations that ignited Kenya’s push for political pluralism and constitutional reforms.
The anniversary has sparked renewed debate, with some groups advocating for demonstrations to highlight governance and human rights concerns, while others insist the day should primarily honour those who fought for democratic freedoms.
Legacy of the 1990 movement
Saba Saba traces its roots to July 7, 1990, when opposition leaders including Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga called for a rally at Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds to demand the restoration of multiparty democracy.
Although the rally was banned and its organisers arrested, thousands of Kenyans took to the streets in demonstrations that were violently dispersed by security forces. The movement, however, intensified pressure on the government and culminated in the repeal of Section 2A in December 1991, restoring multiparty politics.
Over the years, Saba Saba has evolved into a broader symbol of constitutional freedoms, accountability and democratic governance.
This year’s anniversary has attracted mixed reactions, with activist Muteti Mulinge urging Kenyans to join demonstrations over governance and human rights concerns, while Mutambu argues that the day should instead be used to commemorate the historic struggle and reflect on the democratic gains secured by the pioneers of the movement.