Saba Saba at 36: The Freedom We Won, the Justice We Still Seek

Thirty-six years after the historic Saba Saba movement, Kenyans are once again reflecting on whether the promise of democracy has delivered justice, accountability and a better life for all.

Article by: Babz Abdul-Raheem.
Date: July 07,2026.

 Thirty-six years ago, thousands of courageous Kenyans walked into history.

On July 7, 1990, they took to the streets demanding what many today take for granted: the right to speak freely, to organize politically, to choose their leaders and to live in a country governed by democratic principles rather than fear. Many paid a heavy price through arrests, injuries and detention. Yet their sacrifice laid the foundation for the Kenya we know today.

This year's Saba Saba anniversary comes at a defining moment for the nation. Kenya has made undeniable democratic progress since the dark days of one-party rule. The return of multiparty politics, the promulgation of the Constitution of 2010, devolution, an expanded Bill of Rights and stronger independent institutions remain among the country's greatest achievements.

But anniversaries are not only about celebrating victories. They are also about asking difficult questions.

Has democracy delivered what Kenyans fought for?

The answer depends on who you ask.

For millions of ordinary citizens, political freedom has not always translated into economic freedom. While elections are held regularly and citizens can openly criticize those in power, many households continue to struggle with the high cost of living, unemployment, rising taxation and declining purchasing power.

For young people especially, the struggle has changed.

The generation that marched in 1990 fought for the right to vote. Today's youth are fighting for the right to earn a decent living, access quality education, receive affordable healthcare and build a future in their own country. They are not demanding the return of democracy they are demanding that democracy delivers.

That growing frustration has increasingly spilled onto the streets and across social media platforms. Digital activism has become the modern face of civic engagement, allowing citizens to question government decisions, expose alleged corruption and organize public action in ways unimaginable three decades ago.

These voices should not be dismissed as noise.

They are a reminder that democracy is strongest when governments listen as much as they lead.

Kenya's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and public participation. These rights are not privileges granted by those in office; they are constitutional protections earned through decades of struggle. Every time citizens peacefully raise concerns, the country is presented with an opportunity for dialogue rather than confrontation.

Equally, citizens also carry a responsibility to exercise these freedoms peacefully and responsibly, ensuring that protests do not endanger lives, destroy property or undermine the very democratic values they seek to protect.

Another challenge confronting Kenya is the widening trust deficit between leaders and the people they serve. Election promises are often ambitious, yet implementation remains uneven. Corruption scandals continue to dominate headlines while many public services remain under pressure. As confidence in institutions weakens, public frustration inevitably grows.

Saba Saba reminds us that democracy cannot survive on elections alone.

It requires institutions that are independent, leaders who are accountable, public resources that are managed transparently and citizens who remain actively engaged long after ballots have been counted.

The lesson from 1990 is clear: democracy is never a finished project.

Every generation inherits the responsibility to defend it, improve it and ensure that it serves everyone not just the politically connected or economically privileged.

As Kenya commemorates Saba Saba at 36, the nation stands at another crossroads.

The freedoms won through immense sacrifice must now be matched by a renewed commitment to good governance, economic opportunity and equal justice under the law.

History will not judge this generation by how loudly it celebrates Saba Saba.

It will judge whether it fulfilled the promise that inspired it.

Because the true measure of democracy is not found in the Constitution alone it is found in the everyday lives of ordinary Kenyans.

Until every citizen can confidently say that freedom has improved both their rights and their livelihood, the spirit of Saba Saba will continue to call the nation to finish the work that began on July 7, 1990.