Siaya Governor James Orengo has renewed calls to give Saba Saba official national recognition, saying July 7 should be declared a public holiday because of its place in Kenya’s struggle for democracy.

In a post published on his X account on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Orengo said the country should formally recognise the day after taking part in Senate proceedings before meeting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to discuss planned Linda Mwananchi activities.

“Today, I led my team to the Senate in response to their summons. Once the session was adjourned, we were released, and I proceeded to Senator Edwin Sifuna’s office for a productive discussion regarding our planned ‘Linda Mwananchi’ activities. It was encouraging to see the city remain calm as I walked to my office to address the media. It is time we recognise the significance of this day; Saba Saba ought to be a public holiday,” Orengo wrote.

His remarks came as Kenyans marked the 36th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba movement, which began on July 7, 1990, when pro-democracy activists demanded the restoration of multiparty politics under former President Daniel arap Moi.

Orengo’s call carries weight because he was among the lawyers and democracy activists who played a central role in the push for political reforms in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Before the 1990 protests, he was detained, imprisoned and forced into exile for opposing the Moi government. During the Saba Saba movement, he worked alongside reformists including Paul Muite, Matiba, and others in campaigns for political pluralism.

Although the July 7, 1990 rally at Kamukunji was banned, thousands of Kenyans turned up. Security forces dispersed demonstrators, leading to deaths, injuries and mass arrests. The protests became a turning point that increased pressure on the government to repeal Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991, ending Kenya’s one-party system.

Why Orengo wants a public holiday

Speaking earlier on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Orengo argued that the ideals behind Saba Saba remain relevant because many Kenyans still face challenges that inspired the original movement.

“They are unhappy because the foundational principles upon which this struggle started have not been met,” he said.

He pointed to concerns over alleged enforced disappearances, abductions, extrajudicial killings, the high cost of living and taxation, saying many citizens believe the promises of constitutional governance have not been fully realised.