Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana issued a rallying cry to Kenyans to recognize June 25 as the new Saba Saba. He invoked the spirit of July 7, 1990, a historic day that marked the country’s resistance against authoritarian rule.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Monday, July 7, 2025, Kibwana described June 25 as a moment that embodies both history and hope for Kenya.
“Celebrate June twenty-fifth, it is the new Saba Saba. And so actually, even this particular Saba Saba celebration, it is just a continuation of June twenty-fifth, because that’s what has become the new Saba Saba, it has begun becoming what going forward will always be celebrated,” hedeclared.
Kibwana described June 25 as something more than a single event- it should be a regular occurrence for civic vigilance, a lived tradition rather than a ceremonial act. He emphasized that the day should continue to be an annual reminder to the citizens that they have a responsibility to hold the government accountable and guard against a lapse into authoritarianism or national instability.
“It will help keep the government on its toes to avoid backsliding to a draconian system or a failed state,” he stressed.
Not a Banana Republic: Kibwana Calls June 25 a Turning Point for Kenya’s Democracy
For Kibwana, this is not token symbolism, it’s pragmatic call to action, a template for ongoing activism and citizen accountability on the basis of Kenya’s hard-won democratic process.
Kivutha Kibwana made a linear connection from the Saba Saba rallies of 1990 to the increasing significance of June 25, referring to it as the new nexus of citizen mobilization. He emphasized that Kenyans are no longer rallying against repression, they’re rallying for democracy now.
“This pitch for, you know, Kenya, not a banana republic, not a failed state … where people… at the centre of it, taking the country forward,” he said.
Kibwana noted that June 25, which used to be an ordinary date, has taken on profound historical importance. In his view, it had become a symbol of sustained civic pressure and democratic accountability.
“June 25 is the new Saba Saba,” he declared. “It has begun becoming what going forward will always be celebrated.”
Kibwana was adamant that the strength of democracy never lies in elections or judgments by courts- it rests on persistent civic action, especially through effective, symbolic events such as June 25.
“What distinguishes today’s message is its strategic framing,” he noted, “Traditional commemorations like Saba Saba are often treated as one-off events. But I see June 25 as the beginning of a growing movement, one that builds momentum year after year.”
June 25 as Annual Day for Democracy and Action
Kibwana urged Kenyans to embrace June 25 as an annual benchmark – a day to rise together and cry out “No more.”.
“Not a banana republic, not a failed state,” he reiterated. “A country where people, you know, at the centre of it, taking the country forward.”
He outlined a forward-looking vision for the day: nonviolent public demonstrations to evaluate government performance, open discussion and debate on constitutional responsibilities and freedoms, engaging youth in oversight actions, and working with journalists in cooperation to shed light on accountability.
These actions, he stressed, wouldn’t require new legislation just a renewed civic spirit. With collective will and annual commitment, Kibwana believes Kenyans can keep the flame of democracy burning and the system of checks and balances alive.
