Latest news with #SabaSaba
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Kenya protests: When press freedom is under siege courageous journalists enlighten the world
The Communications Authority of Kenya ordered that the commemoration of the 2024 protests not be covered. Photo: File As Kenyans flooded the streets of Nairobi on 25 June in commemoration of the first anniversary of the Maandamano (protests) and the 7 July the Saba Saba protests, the coverage of journalist Larry Madowo stood out. The Communication Authority of Kenya had ordered all broadcasters to desist from live coverage of the Maandamano and Saba Saba protests, an action that kept press freedom under siege. But CNN's Madowo still defied this. The peaceful protests were geared towards remembering the 60 fallen victims opposing the Finance Bill in 2024 and against gross human rights violations and inequalities. Saba Saba Day commemorates the 7 July 1990 protests, when Kenyans demanded a multi-party democracy. Press freedom is the cornerstone of democratic societies. The communication authority's undemocratic actions violated articles 33 and 34 of Kenya's Constitution and suffocated digital civic spaces, free press and the independence of media. Madowo, a former BBC North America and Kenya Television (KTV) correspondent from Siaya county, captured the live protests in video recordings, interviewing protestors and broadcasting to inform the world of the developing stories. 'Police fired tear gas to disperse thousands who took to the streets to mark the one year anniversary of anti-government protests that left dozens of dead', among other tragic incidents, Madowo reported. How would the world have known that 300 people were wounded , 67 in a critical condition and 10 dead during the Saba Saba protests when Kenya's army and police responded? One might argue that Madowo was doing exactly what he is paid for by CNN, but he has been threatened by pro-Ruto government apologists and covering such events is courageous. On 7 July, Madowo posted on X that an attempt on his life had been made and pro-government voices had called for his arrest. He also uses his digital social handles to counteract misinformation and disinformation by providing information on what is actually happening. For example, in the case of Boniface Kariuki's death, the Kenyan police said he had attacked a police station but the vendor was selling masks to make a living as usual. Journalism is the pursuit of truth no matter who it is against it. It is the pillar that holds governance accountable in democratic societies. In this age and era, journalism is facing occupational hazards. Not only are journalists threatened, governments are trying to turn them into proxy public relations officers, prompting them to alter the truth and breed disinformation in news rooms, an act aimed at destroying the independence of the media. This is also an era of the internet and artificial intelligence where social media can trend with fabricated stories, escalating disinformation and misinformation. It is an era of the rise of non-professional citizen journalists where anyone with a smartphone can provide news, which can be positive, but not if it hasn't been fact checked. This is an age in which journalists are cyberstalked, surveilled, harassed online, while on the front line they are beaten and their cameras confiscated by security officials. Amid such occupational hazards, reporting such as Madowo did during the Maandamano anniversary reminds the profession to remain firm and strong. Driving public discourse and amplifying the voices of the marginalised is key to promoting transparency and accountability in democratic societies. We should all stand tall and protect journalists who have dedicated their lives to informing and educating us because, by protecting them, we protect our freedoms and societies. It is upon journalists themselves to be ethical and professional and to separate journalism from activism and public relations. Unless they do so, they are no different from bloggers for hire. Without safeguarding freedom of the press, independence and viability of the media a society is not democratic. Robert Kigongo is a sustainable development analyst.
AFP
a day ago
- Politics
- AFP
The African Union has not announced plans to impeach Kenya's president
'Breaking News AU leaders plan to impeach President William Ruto amid frequent protests,' reads a post published on X on July 7, 2025. Image Screenshot of the false post, taken on July 9, 2025 The accompanying graphic bears the branding of local news outlet ' and features an image of several African leaders, including former AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, ex-Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders of member states, together with a smaller inset photo of Ruto shaking hands with opposition leader Raila Odinga. The graphic also includes a faint 'Mastardcesh' watermark, which is the name of the account that published it, indicating it was the source of the claim in question. The replies under the post suggest users believed the claim to be true. One user asked: 'Please do. How can we support?' 'This will be a very progressive movement for the African people at least this shows we have a working system for africans that are concerted with the ppl (sic),' wrote another. The claim was also published on Facebook here and here. However, the graphic in question is fake, and the AU has not announced plans to impeach Ruto. Fabricated graphic The digital card in question does not appear on the official social media pages for ' where such news reports are typically published. AFP Fact Check contacted the news outlet's social media manager Adongo Kyalo, who rejected the graphic. 'This is not from us,' he said, adding that users should 'check our social media pages on the quoted dates to confirm the authenticity of the graphics'. We also found no credible source of evidence on the AU announcing plans to impeach Ruto, following recent protests in Kenya. While the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, an organ of the AU, expressed concern over the recent events in Kenya, the continental body does not have the power to impeach the president of a member state (archived here and here). A sitting Kenyan president can only be impeached by parliament, as stipulated in Article 145 of the constitution (archived here). Saba Saba demos On July 7, 1990, Kenyans took to the streets to fight for multi-party democracy, in what became known as 'Saba Saba', which is Swahili for 'Seven Seven' (archived here). At the time, Kenya was under the autocratic rule of former president Daniel arap Moi and the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party, which outlawed opposition parties. The historic protests turned violent, resulting in multiple deaths and more than 1,000 arrests. Thirty-five years later, the 2025 commemoration of Saba Saba shares many similarities with the earlier movement, with nationwide protests leading to an economic shutdown and a violent police response that left at least 31 dead and saw over 500 arrested (archived here and here). The July 7 events took place just days after similarly violent demonstrations marked the anniversary of last year's finance bill protests, which culminated in a breach of parliament (archived here). Ruto has since warned against attempts to 'overthrow' the government through 'unconstitutional means' (archived here).
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
The African Union has not announced plans to impeach Kenya's president
'Breaking News AU leaders plan to impeach President William Ruto amid frequent protests,' reads a post published on X on July 7, 2025. The accompanying graphic bears the branding of local news outlet ' and features an image of several African leaders, including former AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, ex-Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders of member states, together with a smaller inset photo of Ruto shaking hands with opposition leader Raila Odinga. The graphic also includes a faint 'Mastardcesh' watermark, which is the name of the account that published it, indicating it was the source of the claim in question. The replies under the post suggest users believed the claim to be true. One user asked: 'Please do. How can we support?' 'This will be a very progressive movement for the African people at least this shows we have a working system for africans that are concerted with the ppl (sic),' wrote another. The claim was also published on Facebook here and here. However, the graphic in question is fake, and the AU has not announced plans to impeach Ruto. The digital card in question does not appear on the official social media pages for ' where such news reports are typically published. AFP Fact Check contacted the news outlet's social media manager Adongo Kyalo, who rejected the graphic. 'This is not from us,' he said, adding that users should 'check our social media pages on the quoted dates to confirm the authenticity of the graphics'. We also found no credible source of evidence on the AU announcing plans to impeach Ruto, following recent protests in Kenya. While the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, an organ of the AU, expressed concern over the recent events in Kenya, the continental body does not have the power to impeach the president of a member state (archived here and here). A sitting Kenyan president can only be impeached by parliament, as stipulated in Article 145 of the constitution (archived here). On July 7, 1990, Kenyans took to the streets to fight for multi-party democracy, in what became known as 'Saba Saba', which is Swahili for 'Seven Seven' (archived here). At the time, Kenya was under the autocratic rule of former president Daniel arap Moi and the Kenya African National Union (KANU) party, which outlawed opposition parties. The historic protests turned violent, resulting in multiple deaths and more than 1,000 arrests. Thirty-five years later, the 2025 commemoration of Saba Saba shares many similarities with the earlier movement, with nationwide protests leading to an economic shutdown and a violent police response that left at least 31 dead and saw over 500 arrested (archived here and here). The July 7 events took place just days after similarly violent demonstrations marked the anniversary of last year's finance bill protests, which culminated in a breach of parliament (archived here). Ruto has since warned against attempts to 'overthrow' the government through 'unconstitutional means' (archived here).
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Gen Z leads Kenya's ‘Saba Saba March' against tax hikes and police brutality
Written by Eshan Agarwal Thousands had gathered at Nairobi's Kamukunji Grounds on July 7, 1990 to defy the then President Daniel arap Moi's ban on public gatherings. The protest was led by Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga where they demanded for the one-party clause embedded in the constitution to be revoked. Despite being faced with tear gas and batons, the protests' demands were heard and the president restored the multiparty system in December of 1991. Ever since, Saba Saba – meaning 'seven seven' – in Kiswahili has been a symbol of courage and Kenya's democratic right. This year, Kenyans took to the streets to protest against its government but were unfortunately met with lethal attacks from police in unmarked vehicles. This resulted in numerous casualties as well as the largest number of injuries and arrests to come from a Saba Saba protest till date. Evolution over the years Since its origin, Saba Saba has surpassed simply fighting for democracy. In the 2000s, activists used the occasion to highlight land rights and justice for the environment, whereas the 2010s turned its attention to police accountability and corruption. Now, the protests are largely driven by Gen Z, where they advocate for digital freedom, economic equality for all, and deeper political involvement ensuring Saba Saba continues to be an evolving force. Monday's nationwide protests This year's Saba Saba aligned with a recent finance bill that proposed higher taxes on digital transactions, fuel, and more basic goods. Outraged by this, thousands of young Kenyans marched in protest of this. There were chants for President William Ruto's resignation as well as demanding lowered prices of fuel, school fees, and action on the maize flour shortage. Security crackdown and shoot-on-sight order Not giving into the demands of the protesters, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen issued a 'shoot on sight' order for anyone who attempted to damage or storm police stations. Officers in covert vehicles attacked with tear gas, water cannons, and live rounds which violated court orders stating that police were supposed to have clear identification. By the end of the day, there had been at least 31 deaths, 107 injuries, and 532 arrests, reported KNCHR, recording the most lethal day in Saba Saba history. Economic and political grievances Over 25 percent of the youth in Kenya is unemployed. This, paired with inflation, led to rapid price hikes on basic commodities and deepened inequality. Protesters see the new finance bill as an attack on the already struggling families and the sign of an ignorant government. The passing of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang nearly a month earlier in police custody had intensified the calls for transparency and justice, further emphasising how out of touch the government was from ordinary Kenyans. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express)
First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Kenya: Ruto Warns Protesters Against Plotting A Coup After "Saba Saba" March
Kenya: Ruto Warns Protesters Against Plotting A Coup After "Saba Saba" March | Firstpost Africa Kenya: Ruto Warns Protesters Against Plotting A Coup After "Saba Saba" March | Firstpost Africa | N18G Kenya is facing a wave of deadly unrest as anti-government protests intensify across the country. Sparked by public anger over tax hikes, economic hardship, and police brutality, the demonstrations have grown into broader calls for President William Ruto's resignation. Ruto has warned against attempts to 'overthrow' the government through 'unconstitutional means,' claiming the recent violent protests, which killed dozens, were sponsored. Security forces have responded with heavy force, leading to widespread criticism from rights groups. Over 500 people have been arrested, with reports of forced disappearances and police collusion with armed gangs further fuelling public outrage. See More
