Ruto’s Govt Slapped with Five Demands on Saba Saba Commemoration

As Kenyans commemorate Saba Saba, civil society organisation Inuka Kenya has urged the government to protect constitutional freedoms, investigate alleged human rights violations, and safeguard democracy.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 7, Inuka Kenya said Saba Saba remains a reminder of the struggle for constitutionalism, human rights, and accountable governance.

“Saba Saba is a living reminder that constitutional democracy demands constant vigilance, as the freedoms guaranteed under the 2010 Constitution were secured through decades of struggle against authoritarian rule.”

Concern Over Shrinking Civic Space

The organisation said Kenya is experiencing increasing political intolerance, a shrinking civic space, and growing insecurity around civic action.

It claimed there have been repeated reports of organised groups disrupting peaceful gatherings and attacking citizens while security officers fail to intervene.

According to the statement, these developments threaten democratic freedoms and weaken public confidence in the rule of law.

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Saba Saba Highlights Concerns Over Democratic Backsliding

Inuka Kenya also expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of democratic backsliding.

The organisation pointed to allegations of enforced disappearances, the use of unmarked vehicles to arrest activists, and the increasing use of serious criminal charges against government critics.

It warned that using national security offences against protest leaders and civic actors could create the perception that the justice system is being used to silence political dissent instead of protecting the law.

The statement also criticised remarks by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, saying changing the language around alleged disappearances could undermine accountability.

“By reframing these cases as ‘missing persons’ issues, the state effectively shifts the burden of proof onto traumatized families and uses the ‘color of law’ to frustrate accountability.”

Also Read:Court Rules on Whether Kenyans Can Recall MPs

Calls for Investigations and Reforms

The organisation condemned enforced disappearances, incommunicado detention, excessive use of force, and protest-related deaths. It called for:

• Immediate and independent investigations into alleged enforced disappearances, torture, and excessive use of force
• A comprehensive inquiry into organised political violence and the use of criminal gangs to intimidate citizens
• Professional and impartial policing that remains accountable to civilian oversight institutions and the courts
• Stronger independent oversight bodies, including the Judiciary, Parliament, and constitutional commissions
• A renewed national dialogue based on constitutional values and inclusion

“Defending the Constitution is an Act of Patriotism”

Inuka Kenya concluded by urging leaders and citizens to uphold democratic principles, saying fear and violence should never replace freedom and constitutional rights.

“The history of Saba Saba teaches us that democracy cannot survive where fear replaces freedom and where violence becomes an instrument of political competition.”

The organisation added,”Defending the Constitution is not an act of opposition; it is an act of patriotism.”

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Saba Saba 2026: Inuka Kenya Raises Alarm Over Democracy, Rights and State Violence