People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has criticised the government’s decision to barricade key roads in Nairobi ahead of the Tuesday’s Saba Saba commemoration, saying the move undermines the democratic gains achieved through the historic struggle for multiparty democracy.
Speaking after officially opening the People’s Liberation Party’s Kisii County offices at Nyamataro in Kitutu Chache South Constituency on Tuesday, Karua said every Kenyan has a constitutional right to express their views peacefully and should be allowed to do so without unnecessary restrictions.
She said the Saba Saba movement played a significant role in restoring multiparty politics and laid the foundation for the Constitution of Kenya 2010, making it important to uphold the democratic freedoms it symbolises.
Karua urged citizens to always exercise their rights peacefully while respecting the law and the rights of others.
She also encouraged Kenyans to engage both the government and the opposition through democratic processes, noting that leadership choices should ultimately be determined at the ballot box.
The People’s Liberation Party leader said her party remains committed to conducting peaceful political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Karua cautioned young people against involvement in political violence and goonism at any time saying such acts have previously resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and undermined democratic participation.
She called on security agencies to take firm action against individuals involved in organised political violence to ensure the country remains peaceful as political activities intensify.
Meanwhile, no protests were reported in the Kisii Central Business District during yesterday’s Saba Saba commemoration.
Earlier, the National Police Service announced enhanced security measures across Nairobi ahead of the annual event.
In a statement issued on Monday, Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said additional security checkpoints had been established on major roads into the city to regulate pedestrian and vehicular movement.
He said the measures were informed by previous demonstrations that turned violent, disrupted business activities and posed risks to public safety.
By Mercy Osongo
