City lawyer Saitabao Ole Kanchory has claimed that President William Ruto’s administration has radicalised ordinary Kenyans, transforming them into freedom fighters, revolutionaries, legends, and martyrs.

In a statement issued via his official X account on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Kanchory said that Kenyans are no longer afraid of being targeted, noting that when one is arrested, he or she automatically becomes a hero.

Former Raila Odinga’s agent in the 2022 general elections, the Kenya Kwanza’s tactics no longer instil fear.

“This regime has turned ordinary people into freedom fighters, revolutionaries, legends and martyrs. Nobody is really afraid of being targeted by the regime any more. If they arrest you, they make you a hero; if they kill you, they make you a legend. They have exhausted all their cards too soon,” Kanchory stated.

Saba Saba

Kanchory’s statement comes ahead of the planned Saba Saba demonstrations, which take place annually on July 7 and commemorate the historic 1990 protests for democratic reforms in Kenya.

Unlike the previous years, where the demos were led by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, this year the demos are driven by Gen Z activists and civil society groups.

Demand for justice and accountability of the 16 people who lost their lives and over 400 who were injured during a nationwide demonstration held to honour victims of last year’s anti-government protests might take centre stage during the Saba Saba march.

Peaceful protest

The Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen called for peace ahead of the Saba Saba protest.

Speaking in Meru on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Murkomen expressed concern that some people were announcing plans to conduct a peaceful demonstration, but it turned violent.

“Kuna tabia ya watu wanatangaza ya kwamba wanafanya maandamano kulingana na kipengele ya 37 wanasema wako na haki ya demonstration na picketing. Hiyo ni haki ya kikatiba lakini mimi na shanga sana hii demonstrations ya siku hizi hakuna Amani ndani hii mipango yote wale wanapanga tu vita, kuchoma court, kuchoma police station na kuchoma administrative unites na shangaa sana kuwa hiyo ni protest ya aina gani,” Murkomen said.