According to Kabando, unlike previous rallies, this one will focus not only on Azimio leader Raila Odinga but also on the concerns of Kenyans themselves.
Kabando highlighted citizens’ anger, frustration, and sense of betrayal due to high taxation. He warned that if President William Ruto is not careful, the situation could worsen.
“If Ruto is not careful, things are fast heading south,” Kabando quipped.
Nationwide civil disobedience program
During the Anti-Finance Bill rally at Kamukunji grounds on July 7, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa announced plans to unveil a nationwide civil disobedience program.
The disobedience is intended to pressure President Ruto into repealing the Finance Act, which he signed on Monday. Implementing the Act will result in increased fuel prices and value-added taxes (VAT), which will impact Kenyans’ wallets from July 1.
Earlier, Raila stated that it was time for Ruto to understand that the power lies with the people. He criticized Ruto’s actions, accusing him of affecting the people’s food, fuel, and freedom. Raila emphasized the need to punish the traitors who have betrayed the people’s trust.
“Ruto will learn the hard way that Kenyans are fed up but not helpless. Ruto has messed with people’s food, fuel, and freedom,” Raila said.
“We cannot be a nation of people who, having eyes, refuse to see, and, having ears, refuse to hear. Kenyans have suffered a cruel betrayal of their trust and confidence in the ability of our representatives to protect us. We must punish the traitors,” Raila continued.
Call off Saba Saba, Kikuyu elders
The Kikuyu Council of Elders, led by Wachira Kiago, urged Raila to engage in dialogue with President Ruto and Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, emphasizing the importance of unity and peace for the country’s well-being.
“I’m humbly appealing to Raila Odinga and his team to stop the planned demonstrations and reach out to the government, we need peace and unity for the benefit of the country and our generations,” Kiago said.
President Ruto has previously asserted that the political rallies would not threaten his government. He stated that he would not allow intimidation to hinder his commitment to serving the people of Kenya.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also accused Raila of using tactics reminiscent of his actions against former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
What is Sabasaba Day?
The Saba Saba Day was born on July 7, 1990, during the fight for the second liberation. The movement started with activists and nationalists fighting against a one-party dictatorship.
Sabasaba has since then been marked by rallies by the opposition to push for compromises on various issues that they believe are unfavorable to Kenyans.
