As Kenya braces for the 25th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests, the National Alternative Alliance (NAA) has written a scathing open letter to President William Ruto, warning of growing national unrest and calling for immediate reforms to prevent further descent into chaos.
In a strongly worded memorandum, the NAA accuses the Kenya Kwanza administration of presiding over a governance crisis marked by youth disenfranchisement, human rights violations, and rampant corruption. The letter highlights the symbolism of this year’s Saba Saba (July 7th) anniversary, which marks the country’s fight for multiparty democracy in 1990, now shadowed by what the alliance terms “rising authoritarianism” and “state-sponsored brutality.”
Mounting Grievances and Escalating Unrest
The alliance cites a range of grievances fueling current demonstrations across the country, including:
Widespread youth unemployment
Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of protesters
Economic hardship and corruption scandals
Suppression of civil liberties, media, and dissent
Calling the situation “a tipping point,” the NAA demands urgent action from the President, warning that Kenya risks slipping into deeper political and economic instability if bold steps are not taken.
Demands to the President
Key among the Alliance’s demands are:
Immediate release of all arrested protesters and dropping of all charges against them under Article 37 of the Constitution.
Compensation and state support for families of victims of police brutality, including waiving hospital and mortuary fees.
Cessation of abductions and political persecution of civil society, media, and Gen Z-led protest movements.
Sacking of top security officials, including Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, the Director of National Intelligence, Inspector General of Police, and the DCI boss.
An independent, civic-led national dialogue process to address intergenerational inequality, youth inclusion, job creation, and governance reforms.
Corruption Scandals Cited
The NAA also lists a string of unresolved scandals allegedly linked to the current administration, including:
The Global Fund/KEMSA mosquito net scandal
Fuel and fertilizer procurement scandals
Controversial privatization of state corporations
The Housing Levy and taxation controversy
The Haiti deployment and RSF arms smuggling allegations
The Adani energy and airport deals
The ongoing crisis in higher education funding
The alliance claims these scandals, coupled with a perceived lack of accountability, have deeply eroded public trust in the government.
Youth-Centric Proposals
To address the youth unemployment crisis, the NAA proposes a national stimulus program that includes:
Recruitment of 20,000 police officers and 10,000 KDF personnel
Expansion of public service internships and youth public works
Revival and funding of youth empowerment programs like Uwezo Fund, Youth Enterprise Fund, and AGPO
Hiring of 500,000 Junior Secondary School teachers on contract
Reversal of recent changes to student union voting laws and restoration of the old Higher Education Funding Model.
In its closing appeal, the NAA urges President Ruto to show “courage, honesty, and decisive leadership” during this critical moment in the nation’s history. It warns that failure to act could lead to continued unrest and a dangerous erosion of democratic gains.
“The future of our nation, and the hopes of millions of Kenyans, especially the youth, hang in the balance,” the statement reads. “We urge you to act now, to heed this call for reform, dialogue, and national renewal.”
The letter comes amid rising tensions and planned Saba Saba commemorations, expected to be led by a coalition of youth, civil society, and opposition voices calling for accountability, justice, and inclusive governance.
