Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has issued a scathing critique of Kenya’s current political leadership, accusing it of betraying the democratic ideals that defined the historic Saba Saba movement. Speaking during a live call-in interview on NTV as Kenyans marked Saba Saba Day on July 7, Kibwana lamented the shrinking civic space and what he termed a loss of direction by those in power.
“Leadership must rethink and understand that this is not the Kenya we expected,” Kibwana said, reflecting on the sacrifices made in the 1990s to expand democratic space and civil liberties. As one of the key figures in the pro-reform movement during that era, Kibwana expressed disappointment that many of those who once championed opposition causes are now contributing to the confusion within the government.
His criticism extended to opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had called for commemorations at Kamukunji Grounds a symbolic venue in Kenya’s democratic struggle. With roads closed and security forces deployed in large numbers, Kibwana questioned the feasibility of such a gathering. “It’s like the government is demonstrating against itself because Raila is in government,” he observed.
Kibwana also condemned the violent disruption of a Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) event on the eve of Saba Saba Day. Armed attackers stormed a press conference organized by mothers advocating for civic justice, stealing equipment and harassing attendees, including journalists. He decried the attack as evidence of declining respect for freedom of expression in a country once proud of its democratic strides.
“This kind of intimidation and disruption is unacceptable,” he said. He also shared his personal experience of being denied entry into the Nairobi CBD due to police roadblocks.
Saba Saba, observed every July 7, commemorates the 1990 protests that led to the reintroduction of multiparty democracy in Kenya. But Kibwana warned that its legacy is being diluted by political theatrics and government repression.
“This is not the Kenya we expected,” he reiterated, calling on leaders to honour the true spirit of Saba Saba by upholding the freedoms that so many Kenyans once fought to secure.
