Saba Saba protests on, declare Kisumu human rights defenders

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu human rights defenders under the People's Power Movement banner are set for Saba Saba protests on Friday, 7th July, 2023.

Saba Saba is a traditional protest day lined up each year, in commemoration of demonstrations held across the country on 7th July, 1991 to push for the opening up of the country's democratic space.

Addressing the press at the Kondele roundabout on Thursday, the activists say they will take to the streets albeit peacefully to protest against the high cost of living, high food prices, high taxation and a brutal police force amongst other grievances.

According to them, the demos will start with a peaceful march at Kondele, and head to the Kisumu Central Business District (CBD) to hand over a petition to the county commissioner, on behalf of the president.

Boniface Ogutu Akach, People's Power Movement team leader, said they expect police to conduct themselves in a civilised and lawful manner, so as to prevent incidents of blood shed and destruction of property during the demos.

"They always conduct themselves as if they are the ones rioting," he said.

He said they are in for peaceful protests, urging Kisumu residents who will turn up not to get entangled in law breaking activities.

Additionally, he asked police officers to be on the look out and smoke out any person who tries to cause trouble.

Whether they notified police of their planned demos, the human rights defenders said they didn't because Saba Saba is "a traditional protest day."

At the national level, Azimio leader Raila Odinga is expected to lead Saba Saba protests against what he terms as a 'regime suffocating Kenyans with heavy taxation.'