The Orange Democratic Movement’s Communications Director Philip Etale has condemned the violence and disorder witnessed during this year’s Saba Saba protests, saying it distorts the original purpose of the day and risks destroying Kenya’s image globally.

Etale said the initial intent of Saba Saba commemorations was to honour the struggle for political pluralism, not to incite chaos or confront the police.

“It’s always been a peaceful demonstration, a solemn occasion where people hold a rally and retreat back to their homes,” he said during an interview with Radio Generation.

He said what was witnessed during the latest Saba Saba protests was far from the original spirit of the movement, blaming unnamed individuals for manipulating the event for political gain.

“This is not the spirit of Saba Saba. Maybe someone is trying to use this occasion to settle their own political scores, which shouldn’t be the case,” Etale stated.

The Director added that previous demonstrations held by the opposition, including those called by Raila Odinga, were often calm and well-organised. But according to him, something changed last year.

“Perhaps the young people who were participating in the initial Gen Z demonstrations had a purpose. They were rebelling with a cause. They knew what they wanted,” he said.

However, Etale warned that continued violence during protests may damage Kenya’s reputation and drive investors away.

“The image of the country is at risk because now people start laughing at us, then start fearing to come here. In fact, investors fear to invest in this country. We have to think about Kenya first before ourselves,” he added.

Etale’s remarks come in the wake of a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), which confirmed that 11 people died during the Saba Saba protests, while more than 160 others were injured.

Among them were 52 police officers who sustained injuries while on duty. Police also reported damage to 125 police vehicles, 36 government vehicles and 47 civilian cars.

A total of 567 people were arrested.

Police said that while some protests were peaceful, others turned violent and led to unnecessary destruction and confrontations.

In addition, the ODM official urged for a return to peaceful and purposeful protests, saying the country is “at risk of becoming hopeless