Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Saba Saba

Kenya is bracing for possible protests and civil unrest today, Monday, July 7, as the country commemorates Saba Saba Day.

The Saba Saba demonstration, rooted in the Swahili phrase for “Seven Seven” (July 7th), marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s history when, on July 7, 1990, nationwide protests erupted to demand the reintroduction of a multi-party political system against the authoritarian one-party rule of President Daniel arap Moi.

Despite a government ban and the arrest of key pro-democracy figures like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, thousands defied the crackdown, leading to violent confrontations with police that resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and detentions, ultimately forcing the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991 and paving the way for democratic reforms.

Like in 2024 during the Gen Z-led demonstrations, this year’s commemoration comes amid national grief, anger, and heightened tensions following the deadly June 25, 2025, protests.

In response to the violence, deaths, and widespread destruction witnessed during the June 25 unrest, the government is expected to take a hardline stance against any fresh demonstrations.

Businesses across major cities have begun taking precautions. Many are boarding up or temporarily shutting down operations to guard against potential looting and vandalism.

Thika Road Mall (TRM) has already announced its temporary closure for the day, citing a security advisory warning of possible protests and unrest in parts of the country.

State House church

The proposal to construct a mega church at the State House is expected to remain a major topic of national debate today.

Plans to build a new church at State House, Nairobi, have triggered significant national debate and criticism.

President William Ruto has confirmed the plans, but his defence of the project has done little to quell the outrage from various quarters.

Initial reports cited a seating capacity of 8,000 people and an estimated cost of Ksh1.2 billion.

However, President Ruto has since disputed the Ksh1.2 billion figure, claiming a more modest Ksh300 million for a decent sanctuary for around 300 worshippers within State House.

Ruto defended the move by stating he found an existing mabati (iron-sheet) church at State House, which he deemed unfit for the presidency, and merely wishes to upgrade it. He also asserted that the project would be financed from his personal resources, not public funds.

Critics, including legal experts, opposition leaders (like Martha Karua), and civil society groups (such as the Atheists in Kenya Society), argue that building a prominent religious facility within the official seat of executive power violates Article 8 of the Kenyan Constitution, which explicitly states: “There shall be no state religion.”

They argue that such a project, regardless of funding source, blurs the line between personal faith and public office, potentially promoting Christian nationalism and undermining the secular nature of the state, which is meant to be neutral and inclusive of all faiths and none.

Lawyers like Ndegwa Njiru have warned of potential legal action, asserting that if a church is built, then equally a mosque, a Hindu temple, and African traditional shrines should also be constructed to reflect Kenya’s religious diversity.

Power outage

Kenya Power has announced a planned power outage scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025, that will affect parts of five counties.

Parts of Nandi, Kisii, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Tana River counties will experience power outages today.

Power outages in parts of four affected counties will occur at varying times during the day.