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Wiper Party Leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka wants Saba Saba to be declared a national holiday.

Speaking in Meru Town on Sunday, July 7, 2024, Kalonzo argued that the day should be gazetted as a national holiday to celebrate different individuals who fought for the country’s democracy.

“Saba Saba should be a National Holiday to celebrate the heroes who fought democratic space in Kenya,” Kalonzo stated.

Saba Saba Day is commemorated yearly to relinquish memories of July 7, 1990, when nationwide protests took place in Kenya in to demand for multiparty democracy.

On the historic day, Kenya witnessed the largest nationwide protests which had been summoned by leaders who included Masinde Muliro together with Martin Shikuku and the Young Turks James Orengo, Gitobu Imanyara and Paul Muite.

The young people were mainly university students led by various political leaders.

Kalonzo’s message to Gen Z

With now Gen Z leading the charge in calling out the government and advocating for better governance, Kalonzo vowed to rally other leaders to support their course.

Even though the Gen Z revolution is not led by political leaders, Kalonzo made it clear that their efforts will not be forgotten.

“They have carried the spirit of SabaSaba and today as they take the streets I want them to know that the Azimio leadership stands with them,” Kalonzo stated.

“The Senate has stood firm and for once asked for accountability in support of the agenda by GenZ. The corruption continues unabetted, a lot of money is collected and no accountability is there. The problem is not the collection but the consumption, the opulence, and greed by leaders,” he added.

At the same time, Kalonzo insisted that justice must be served to people who lost their lives during the Anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.

Data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) says that the death toll recorded from the nationwide protests hit 39 and 361 were left injured.

Other leaders who accompanied Kalonzo to Meru include former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Kitui County Senator Enock Wambua.

Wamalwa castigated President Ruto insisting that he must be ousted as he has lost the public’s trust.

“Ruto and his government should know that he and his government no longer enjoys the confidence of the people of Kenya. On this SabaSaba day we would want to urge the Gen Zs that the mission is not done until Zakayo ashuke (Ruto comes down),” Wamalwa insisted.

In todays Saba Saba celebrations, thousands of youth have thronged Uhuru Park in Nairobi for a concert in honour of the departed souls.

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