Pressure is intensifying on President William Ruto as Kenya braces for another wave of demonstrations just days after the deadly June 25 protests.
The demo, which affected nearly 25 counties, left 15 dead, more than 400 injured and millions of shillings in property destroyed.
Activists are mobilising for Saba Saba (July 7), a date etched in Kenya’s history as a turning point in the fight for multiparty democracy.
This year’s protests are fuelled by rising anger over police brutality, economic hardship and the government’s crackdown on dissent.
The fresh demos come at a time when police officers are in the spotlight following the brutal murder of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
The killing of Boniface Kariuki, shot in the head by a police officer at close range, and who was on life support for days, has further galvanised protesters.
The swift arrest of killer cops in Ojwang’s and Kariuki’s cases have sent shockwaves in the police service.
Officers are now being held for individual criminal culpability.
The arrest of activists from last week’s demonstrations has also stoked public fury.
Online platforms are abuzz with calls for a massive turnout, spearheaded by groups like the National Alternative Alliance, a coalition of political parties and civil societies.
"We will protest on Monday to mark Saba Saba because Kenyans are fed up with Ruto’s leadership," the alliance’s convenor Arnold Maliba said.
“Nothing is working except corruption, nepotism and other ills.”
Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has also confirmed his participation, saying the day is significant in Kenya’s democratic history.
“It is heroes’ day, revolution day. We must be there and encourage all Kenyans to be there,” Wanjigi said.
“This Saba Saba is phenomenal. It marked the second liberation, where the young people at that time got up and fought. We must mark it.”
Communist Party Marxist-Kenya general secretary Booker Omole said Saba Saba will silence Ruto, adding that people are tired with him.
The President last week expressed frustrations with the demos, warning against causing mayhem in the country.
“If you truly love Kenya as you say, don't burn your country. If you are telling us you truly love this nation, don't be part of the problem,” he said.
“If you want Ruto to go, look for a better plan. Violence will not, anarchy will not. It will not sort out our country. Let’s be honest with one another,” he said.
As the June 25 demos were happening, the President pleaded with the youth to put the nation first despite their grievances.
“Those we may have differences with in various opinions, even during protests, let’s make sure that the protests are not violent,” he said.
“The protests should not lead to property destruction, should not interfere with our peace in Kenya because we have no other country to go to when things get bad.”
Another demonstration is likely to further dent the image of his administration, which is already facing criticism over punitive taxes, human rights abuses and repression.
