Thirty-six years after the historic Saba Saba protests that accelerated Kenya’s return to multiparty democracy, veterans of the second liberation say the struggle for accountable governance remains unfinished, drawing parallels between the events of July 7, 1990 and yesterday’s nationwide security crackdown.

Former pro-democracy campaigners said the heavy police deployment, road blockades and deserted streets witnessed across major towns during this year’s Saba Saba commemoration mirrored the tactics employed by the government of former President Daniel arap Moi to suppress demands for political reforms.

The July 7, 1990 demonstrations marked a turning point in Kenya’s democratic journey after the Moi administration attempted to stop a public rally called by opposition leaders Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia at Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds.

Days before the rally, security agents arrested and detained Mr Matiba, Mr Rubia and opposition figure Raila Odinga.

5cb87d85-cf4a-4583-acb4-c4d19f16d7a9 — Activists in Nairobi CBD bundled into Subaru by unknown men

Human rights activists and lawyers who defied the ban were also arrested as security forces moved to crush the protests.

The crackdown intensified pressure on the government and culminated in the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991, restoring multiparty democracy after years of one-party rule.

Among those who spearheaded the agitation were Mr Odinga, James Orengo, Paul Muite, Gitobu Imanyara, Kiraitu Murungi, Njeru Kathangu, Mukhisa Kituyi, Martin Shikuku and Masinde Muliro. Religious leaders, including Archbishop Ndingi Mwana a’Nzeki, the Rev Timothy Njoya, Bishop David Gitari, Bishop Henry Okullu and Bishop Alexander Muge, also played prominent roles.

Read: Cost of demos, transport lockdowns: Schools in urban areas hardest hit

Speaking during yesterday’s commemoration in Nairobi, Siaya Governor James Orengo said Kenya had failed to adequately honour those who sacrificed for the country’s democratic freedoms.

“The story of our nation is not good. If I were the president elected under this Constitution, I would have declared this day a national day in memory of people like Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia and Raila Odinga, and held a rally to commemorate it,” Mr Orengo said.