Mulinge made the remarks during an interview with a local TV station on Sunday, July 6. He urged supporters to skip their normal routines and join demonstrations across the country.
“On Saba Saba, let me take this opportunity to declare that the 7th of July 2026 will be a public holiday. I have said it; we have said it. Kila mtu akae nyumbani na kama unatoka, utoke ukuje kwa street,” Mulinge said.
Protesters Plan to Present Petition
Mulinge said demonstrators will deliver a petition demanding an end to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and abductions.
He also called on Kenyans to continue pushing for political and governance reforms.
“Tuende kupeleka petition ya kusema extrajudicial killings must end and abductions and enforced disappearances must end.”
“We must be clear that the struggle is not over. The oppressed and poor people of this country must come together and capture political power,” he added.
Despite Mulinge's declaration, the Kenyan government has not gazetted July 7, 2026, as an official public holiday.
Why Saba Saba Matters
Saba Saba, which means "Seven Seven" in Kiswahili, commemorates the pro-democracy demonstrations held on July 7, 1990.
The movement pushed for constitutional reforms and the return of multi-party democracy. Since then, activists, civil society groups and political leaders have marked the day through protests and public events focusing on governance, human rights and constitutional issues.
This year's demonstrations come amid growing public debate over the cost of living, governance, police conduct and accountability.
The National Police Service has said it will facilitate peaceful and lawful demonstrations. Police have also urged organisers and participants to obey the Constitution and the Public Order Act while avoiding violence and destruction of property.
