Editor's Review

PLP leader Martha Karua has called for a redefinition of how Kenyans commemorate Saba Saba Day.


The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called for a redefinition of how Kenyans commemorate Saba Saba Day. 

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, July 9, Karua said the day should be used to honour freedoms secured through decades of civic action and sacrifice.

She commended the recent wave of Gen Z demonstrations terming them powerful and patriotic.

"It should be a day to celebrate the freedoms we have gained so far. Gen Z have shown that Kenyans can have large-scale demonstrations that are peaceful. In 2024, the protests were beautiful, they were like a carnival, a show of patriotism,” she said.

However, Karua expressed concern over the state's response to the demonstrations, accusing government forces of instigating violence.

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"Violence and death was introduced by the state. What we have seen is like vengeance from the regime, you dare express yourself, we will crash you, we will kill you," she added.

File image of Martha Karua

At the same time, Karua noted that the challenge facing Kenya is not the Constitution, but the conduct and mindset of the country’s leadership. 

She accused the ruling elite of disregarding public interests and using state power to entrench personal gain and suppress opposition.

"There is nothing wrong with the Constitution. What is wrong is our behavior, our attitude, and especially the ruling elite. You would rather kill Kenyans extra-judicially, you completely ignore the interests of Kenyans and take the state as personal property.

"This is the most unpopular regime that has ever been in Kenya; it is also the one that has violated the human rights of Kenyans and shown contempt for the people in the worst way possible," she further said.

Karua called on Kenyans to shift their focus from expecting reforms from the government to building a citizen-led movement that can defend democracy and safeguard national values.

"We will not get any good thing coming from the rogue regime. They are the ones who could have changed by listening to Kenyans.

"It is not about getting this regime to do anything, it is about getting Kenyans to be able to rescue themselves from this terror and tyranny of the William Ruto-led regime," she stated.