Today, on the 7th of July, 2023, the currently opposition leader Raila Odinga is expected to conduct a peaceful demonstration in Nairobi. The demonstration will take place at Kamukunji grounds. He also urged non-residents of Nairobi to conduct the demonstrations in their respective counties.
The day has been dubbed “Sabasaba” day, a phrase that was developed in the mid 19’s. “Sabasaba,” translated to “Seven Seven” in English was developed in 1954 by the Tanzanians. It was the date when Tanganyika African National Union was founded. The name simply meant the date, 7th of July, 1954.
In the year 1990, Kenyans also adopted the phrase but this time, it meant a different thing altogether. The date was 7/7/1990 making the name “sabasaba” maintain relevance. This day was accompanied by pro democracy demonstrations across the country during the Moi regime. Thereafter, president Moi prohibited the use of the phrase because it became very powerful.
President Moi opposed strongly the demonstrations that he used paramilitary troops to disperse the demonstrators. Criminal actions were taken against some participant by President Moi. Seven years later, on July 7th, some form of demonstrations occurred in anticipation of the December elections. On that day, 13 people were killed. This was also another Sabasaba day.
In July 7th, 2014, Raila Odinga held a peaceful protest in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park. The day maintained its Sabasaba name but this time the protest was peaceful. Over 15,000 police and military personell were dispatched to the site to maintain peace. The day was concluded and the leaders discussed every issue affecting the nation including the cost of living and politics.
The 2023 Sabasaba day is expected to take place in Kamukunji grounds, Nairobi and we hope that it will be peaceful. The government should dispatch more security personell to maintain the peace. The same should be done in the respective counties where the demonstrations will be held. The country is not prepared to deal with the perils of a spiteful demonstration.
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