Saba Saba Protest Begin in Mombasa CBD

Police in Mombasa have given civil society groups the green light to hold processions to mark Saba Saba Day today. The procession coincides with opposition-led nationwide protests over the cost of living.

The activists under the banner of the  Coast Civil Society Movement were upbeat after a meeting with Mombasa Central Police Station OCS, saying they will hold a peaceful demonstration from the Elephant Tusks on Moi Avenue and to Treasury Square.

They said they had agreed with the police to take responsibility for any chaos, saying that they will have their own security guards in place.

The activists take the bold move at a time when Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has steered clear of any involvement in the demonstrations.

Nassir recently assured visiting Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in his office that he will not be part of the Azimio-led demonstrations because they would disrupt the economy.

Mombasa has remained peaceful since Azimio la Umoja One Kenya launched its post-election anti-government demonstrations and gathering to protest the manner in which the August presidential election was handled as well as the high cost of living.

Saba Saba procession

Yesterday, Mr Oginga Randiki, a Coast grassroots advisor to Azimio leader Raila Odinga said they will use the Saba Saba procession and gathering to protest against the high cost of living and the Finance Act 2023.

“This is the beginning of protests to force the government to ease the burden on Kenyans. We are not going to relent until this government listens to suffering Kenyans,” he said after meeting the OCS.

Concern Citizens executive director Bradley Ouna said the hike of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from eight percent to 16 percent has started hurting Kenyans and worsened the cost of living.

“We want to use the demonstration to remind President William Ruto about his pre-election pledges that he would not burden Kenyans more if elected. The Public Finance Act has a huge negative impact on the ordinary Kenyan and should be shelved,” he said.

Another activist, Edwin Shamir said they had assured the police that they will take full responsibility for their gathering. 

“We are going to have our own security and take full responsibility. We are going to air our views peacefully and this is the assurance we have given the police,” said Shamir.