In a significant political shift, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced he will personally attend the Saba Saba rally at Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7 — marking a symbolic return to the birthplace of Kenya’s historic pro-democracy movement 35 years ago.
Speaking during a media appearance, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader stated that his decision to join the rally was aimed at honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the original 1990 Saba Saba protests, which catalyzed Kenya’s transition to multi-party democracy.
“My idea is to call the people and go to Kamukunji, the first place where Saba Saba took place. I will be attending the Saba Saba at Kamukunji to remember those who were killed,” Raila said.
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The announcement marks a notable reversal from Raila’s recent stance, in which he distanced himself from the ongoing wave of youth-led demonstrations across the country, led largely by the Gen Z movement.
While he had previously expressed moral support for the youth’s demands, he had refrained from joining them in the streets, saying he had done his part in the struggle.
“They told me to sit at home after having done enough. I am at home but fully behind you,” Raila said over the weekend during a church service, praising the courage and persistence of the youth protesters despite police repression.
Raila’s renewed involvement comes amid growing public discontent with the government, particularly among young people, over issues such as high unemployment, corruption, and economic inequality.
The ODM leader emphasized the urgent need for a serious and inclusive national dialogue, warning that failure to address the country’s systemic challenges could deepen unrest.
“What this country now requires is a serious, comprehensive dialogue that will be able to fix all the things that have gone wrong,” he stated.
He identified youth unemployment, corruption, tribalism, nepotism, and exclusion as key issues demanding immediate attention.
Raila also condemned the heavy-handed response by security forces during recent demonstrations, calling for an end to police brutality and the use of force against peaceful protesters.
“Police should not use brutality against unarmed innocent people who are demonstrating for their rights,” he added.
The veteran opposition leader did not spare religious leaders either, accusing segments of the clergy of siding with the government and failing to uphold moral integrity in the face of social injustice.
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