Over the weekend on June 1, Kenya paused to celebrate Madaraka Day, a moment to honour the sweat and blood of those who fought for self rule back in 1963. It’s a day that reminds us of the fire in our collective spirit, when we, the citizens stood up to colonial powers and demanded a nation of their own.
But in 2025 as we marked this milestone, I couldn’t help but think the real heroes, the true fighters of the year aren’t just the historical giants like Jomo Kenyatta or Dedan Kimathi. They’re the everyday Kenyans who stand against oppressive regimes, fighting against the oppressive bills like the Finance Bill of 2024 and the rot of corruption choking our country. These economic liberators are carrying the torch of Madaraka today.
Last year’s Finance Bill 2024 wasn’t just a bad policy; it felt like a slap in the face. With The bill initially proposing to introduce taxes on basic goods like a 16.0% sales tax on bread and 25.0% duty on cooking oil, among other unpopular taxes it was clear the government was squeezing an already struggling population-My definition of modern-day slavery! Not surprisingly Kenyans, especially the youth, didn’t sit quietly. They flooded the streets, calling for the bill’s rejection. I saw young people breaking down the bill’s impact in ways that hit home, reminding me about the Mau Mau stories told to me by my grandmother if not my history teacher- role playing to organize against the British. This time, it was smartphones, not whispers, not spies that fueled the resistance.
To tell you what you already know, the bill was scrapped, a rare win, but it wasn’t just about taxes. It was a loud cry against a system that’s been bleeding Kenya dry through corruption. These liberators didn’t just protest; they demanded accountability, forcing us to question why our leaders live large while the rest of us struggle in squalor.
Madaraka Day is about self-determination, and that’s what these economic warriors are fighting for demanding a Kenya where public resources don’t vanish into private pockets- A legacy left for our elites from the colonialists. And yes, it gets messy, sometimes chaotic, but it’s real. Like the freedom fighters who faced colonial jails, we faced tear gas, batons and arrests, yet we kept going- unyielding and unbowagable! That’s the spirit of Madaraka standing firm, no matter the cost.
As we celebrate this year, let’s salute these Kenyan heroes who are reminding us that self-rule isn’t about having our own systems, it’s about a fair shot at a decent life. The fight for economic justice is our new liberation struggle. Kenya deserves better, and they’re making sure we don’t forget it.
