DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa has paid tribute to the heroes of Kenya’s Second Liberation, saying the country must honour their sacrifices by ensuring justice, accountability and the protection of constitutional freedoms rather than allowing their legacy to be overshadowed by political violence and impunity.

In a post on his X account on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as Kenyans marked the 36th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba movement, Wamalwa said the day should remind the country of those who fought for democracy, good governance and a constitutional order that guarantees citizens’ rights.

“Today is Saba Saba Day when we remember our heroes and heroines of the Second Liberation who lost life and limb fighting for good governance, accountability and a new constitutional order where citizens would enjoy the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution without facing abductions, torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings,” Wamalwa said.

Demands accountability

The opposition leader lamented that those responsible for deaths recorded during recent anti-government demonstrations had yet to face justice.

He referenced official figures from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), saying dozens of Kenyans lost their lives during the 2024 Gen Z protests and the subsequent Saba Saba commemorations.

“Last year, 27 people were killed on June 25 during the commemoration of the first anniversary of the Gen Z revolution where 62 people were killed, and 38 people were killed on Saba Saba Day according to the official IPOA report, yet the killer cops who perpetrated these atrocities against their fellow Kenyans have not been held to account to date,” he stated.

Freedom to commemorate

Wamalwa urged Kenyans to commemorate Saba Saba peacefully, whether by staying at home or participating in demonstrations, insisting they should not face intimidation or violence while exercising their constitutional rights.

“Today let Kenyans remember their fallen heroes in their own way whether they choose to stay home or march on the streets without being subjected to state-sponsored terror, goonism, abductions, torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Enough is enough!” he said.

His remarks came amid heightened security across Nairobi, where police mounted enhanced checkpoints and roadblocks on major roads leading into the Central Business District ahead of planned Saba Saba demonstrations.

Security operation sparks debate

The heavy deployment drew criticism from sections of the opposition, with Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa accusing the government of using police roadblocks to heighten tensions and disrupt movement across the capital.

Police, however, defended the operation, saying the enhanced checkpoints were necessary to maintain public order based on previous experiences during Saba Saba commemorations and to protect lives and property.

Salutes liberation heroes

Wamalwa also paid tribute to veteran democracy campaigners who participated in Kenya’s Second Liberation, recognising both those still active in public life and those who have since died.

“We salute the good friends and comrades-in-arms we have had… and those that we have lost along the way… as we continue with the struggle. Aluta Continua!” he said.

His statement adds to growing calls by opposition leaders and civil society groups for justice over protest-related deaths and renewed efforts to safeguard the democratic freedoms won through the Saba Saba movement.