During Moi’s reign, Saba Saba was the day Kenyans stood up for themselves for a multiparty state against the government. A re-run is foreseen following the current government’s high taxation and Kenyans reeling from the high cost of living.
“If Ruto is not careful, things are fast heading south. Unlike past Saba Saba rallies, this one will not be about Raila Odinga but about Kenyans, ” Kabado said.
Former Mukurweini MP, Kabando wa Kabando has commented on the planned July 7 rally by the Azimio coalition. According to him, it will mark a defining moment in the country’s politics.
The former legislature said this is because of the anger fueled by a feeling of betrayal and frustration amongst Kenyans due to high taxation.
“#SABASABA 7/7 of 2023, it won’t be about Raila. All citizens are angry, frustrated and ready to rise against Ruto’s taxation,” he tweeted on Tuesday.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa said during the Friday, July 7, rally at the Kamukunji grounds, they will unveil a nationwide civil disobedience itinerary. The disobedience is aimed at forcing President William Ruto to repeal the Finance Act, which he signed on Monday.
The Act, whose implementation will result in the increase of fuel prices and VATs, will see Kenyans dig deep into their pockets from July 1. With every Kenyan being taxed on all avenues and having no hope of starting businesses, everyone is enraged. Adding fuel to the fire, loan interest rates have been increased by CBK, making life even harder for the borrowers.
Earlier in the day, Raila mentioned that Ruto ought to learn that the power of the people is sovereign.
“Ruto will learn the hard way that Kenyans are fed up but not helpless. Ruto has messed with people’s food, fuel, and freedom,” he said.
Saba Saba was born on July 7, 1990, during the fight for the Second liberation. A day dominated by bloody clashes. Former President, the late Daniel Arap Moi, unleashed police on defenceless demonstrators who ended up killing and injuring many of them for daring to suggest a return to multipartyism.
The opposition has since then used the day to hold rallies to push the government to reach a compromise over specific issues they find unfavourable to Kenyans.
For this particular year, the rally that will be held won’t be to address issues of the opposition party, but rather of the people. The focus solely is on the high cost of living and the recently signed finance act 2023/24.
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