NAIROBI, Kenya — Linda Mwananchi has used this year’s Saba Saba commemoration to call for mandatory lifestyle audits of state officers, arguing that the growing trend of multi-million-shilling donations at public fundraisers undermines the constitutional principles of accountability and integrity.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the civic movement reflected on the significance of the July 7, 1990, Saba Saba protests, describing the anniversary as a reminder of Kenya’s struggle for constitutionalism, democratic governance and the rule of law.
The statement said the sacrifices made during the Second Liberation were aimed at ending authoritarian rule and establishing a system founded on accountability, human rights and transparent leadership.
“Saba Saba was not just an event; it was a loud, unyielding rejection of the imperial presidency and the culture of political patronage. It was a declaration that Kenya belongs to all its citizens, not a select few political elites who wield public power and resources as personal tokens,” the statement read.
Questions Over Source of Donations
Linda Mwananchi expressed concern over what it described as an increasing culture of state officers making multi-million-shilling donations during weekend harambees.
According to the statement, recent public events have seen state officials announce donations of Sh20 million, Sh10 million and Sh2 million, prompting questions about the source of the funds.
“On this Saba Saba day, we must ask the fundamental constitutional question that our liberation struggle empowered us to ask: Where is this money coming from?” the statement posed.
The movement argued that public office is a public trust and that all wealth displayed by state officers should be subject to constitutional scrutiny, particularly at a time when many Kenyans continue to grapple with the high cost of living and pressure on public services.
It further maintained that the traditional spirit of harambee was intended to promote community solidarity rather than serve as a platform for what it termed displays of unexplained wealth.
Calls for Lifestyle Audits
Citing the 10-Point Agenda signed on March 7, 2025, Linda Mwananchi called for immediate measures to strengthen accountability in public leadership.
Among the proposals is the introduction of mandatory lifestyle audits for state officers whose public donations appear inconsistent with their known lawful income.
The movement urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to invoke powers provided under the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012, and the Public Officer Ethics Act, 2003, to investigate unexplained wealth where necessary.
It also called for full public disclosure of the sources of large donations made by state officials.
“Transparency is not a political favor; it is a constitutional right,” the statement said.
Upholding Chapter Six
Linda Mwananchi further urged leaders to adhere to Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity, arguing that leadership should be measured by constitutional compliance, prudent management of public resources and service delivery rather than the size of donations made during public functions.
“The heroes of Saba Saba did not fight for a country where public office would become a gateway to overnight, unaccountable wealth. They fought for a transparent, just, and equitable society. Demanding accountability today is the highest form of honoring their sacrifice,” the statement added.