Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has paid tribute to victims of Kenya’s pro-democracy struggle while condemning the persistence of political violence, following the death of Vincent Osiemo in Keumbu, Kisii County.
In a statement on Tuesday , July 7, 2026 issued to mark this year’s Saba Saba commemorations, Sifuna said the day honours Kenyans who sacrificed their lives in the fight for democracy, human rights and an end to political repression.
“On this Saba Saba we celebrate all those who paid the price in the struggle for democracy and an end to human rights abuses and political repression. It’s sad that 36 years later, the monster still has a pulse,” Sifuna said.
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The senator linked the death of Vincent Osiemo to what he termed political intolerance and violence, saying the victim died after alleged acts of political violence in Keumbu on Friday.
“We lost Vincent Osiemo following acts of political violence in Keumbu on Friday, a needless death resulting from intolerance and goonism,” he said.
Sifuna pledged that the Linda Mwananchi movement would support Osiemo’s family and pursue justice for those responsible.
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“On behalf of the Linda Mwananchi team, we will stand with his family and continue to demand justice and accountability for all those involved. Pole sana to his family,” he added.
His remarks come as Kenyans mark the 36th anniversary of Saba Saba, a day remembered for the historic July 7, 1990, pro-democracy demonstrations that pushed for the restoration of multiparty democracy in Kenya.
Keumbu attack incident
Thus comes as the National Police Service (NPS) revealed that more arrests are expected over the violent attack on the Linda Mwananchi political convoy at Keumbu Market in Kisii County.
The incident left one supporter dead, scores injured, and sparked renewed concerns over political violence.
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Speaking during an interview on Monday, July 6, 2026, NPS spokesperson Michael Muchiri said investigators are relying on forensic analysis and video evidence to identify all those involved in the Friday, July 3, 2026, attack, insisting the seven persons of interest already in custody are only part of those believed to have participated in the violence.
“At the Keumbu incident, we have teams that are there. Remember, as soon as that incident took place and as soon as it got the attention of the Inspector General, he was able to send a special team from the Internal Affairs Unit to go and have a comprehensive look at that incident,” Muchiri said.
