MPs urge peaceful Saba Saba anniversary, warn over anarchy

Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda has called on citizens to safeguard the country from descending into anarchy. [File, Standard]

Members of Parliament from Nairobi County have urged Kenyans to observe law and order during the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba protests expected on Monday.

Six legislators from the capital city noted that demonstrations, which began as an expression of governance concerns, have recently been infiltrated by manipulative political actors and criminals.

Makadara MP George Aladwa, Woman Rep Esther Passaris, Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, Langata MP Felix Odiwuor and Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu called on citizens to safeguard the country from descending into anarchy.

“No country has ever solved its problems through violence. Burning businesses does not create jobs, stoking tribal hate does not put food on the table and destroying our economy only deepens poverty among citizens,” said Mutinda.

Passaris defended her proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025, saying it was not meant to curtail freedoms but to ensure peaceful demonstrations are held without negatively affecting the majority of Kenyans who toil day and night to make ends meet.

She accused some political leaders of taking advantage of Kenyans, saying President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga should be given a chance to work since they mean well for the country and should not be vilified for coming together to serve citizens.

“There are people funding anarchy from outside the country. I have personally received messages from Kenyans abroad informing me that they plan to ensure the homes of Members of Parliament will be occupied,” claimed Passaris.Aladwa expressed concern that the city has borne the brunt of past demonstrations, leaving the business community reeling from losses running into millions of shillings.

The ODM Nairobi branch chairman called for calm during protests, noting that citizens also have a right to demonstrate peacefully.

Elachi said that legislators must rise above the temptation to exploit public frustration for political gain, noting that it is easy to stir emotions but true leadership is tested in times of crisis.

Odiwuor said Saba Saba should be a day for young people to sit down and reflect on their agenda, now that their voices have been heard loud and clear.