Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna says Kenya’s struggle for democracy and human rights remains unfinished, 36 years after the historic Saba Saba protests.

Sifuna made the remarks on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as Kenyans marked the anniversary of the pro-democracy movement.

He honoured those who suffered during the fight against political repression and human rights abuses.

“On this Saba Saba, we celebrate all those who paid the price in the struggle for democracy and an end to human rights abuses and political repression,” Sifuna wrote.

He said Kenya was still confronting some of the problems that inspired the 1990 demonstrations.

“It’s sad that 36 years later, the monster still has a pulse,” he added.

Linda Mwananchi mourns Osiemo

Sifuna also mourned Vincent Osiemo, who died following political violence reported in Keumbu, Kisii County, on Friday.

“We lost Vincent Osiemo following acts of political violence in Keumbu on Friday, a needless death resulting from intolerance and goonism,” he said.

The senator said the Linda Mwananchi team would support Osiemo’s family and continue demanding accountability over the incident.

“On behalf of the Linda Mwananchi team, we will stand with his family and continue to demand justice and accountability for all those involved. Pole sana to his family,” Sifuna wrote.

Investigations into the Keumbu violence and Osiemo’s death remain a matter for the relevant authorities.

Why Kenya marks Saba Saba

Saba Saba is marked every July 7 to remember the 1990 demonstrations that demanded multiparty democracy and greater political freedoms in Kenya.

The protests were led by opposition politicians, civil society groups and activists who challenged the one-party system under KANU.

The movement became a major part of Kenya’s Second Liberation and helped build pressure for the return of multiparty politics.

Today, Saba Saba is used to remember democracy campaigners and highlight continuing concerns over governance, police conduct, constitutional rights and political accountability.