Saba Saba: Raila Odinga to Lead Kenyans in Marking Historic Day, Announces Venue
- Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to mark this year’s Saba Saba anniversary, calling out economic and rights setbacks
- The veteran opposition leader ruled out protests in Nairobi CBD, directing supporters to alternative activities
- Raila recalled being jailed during the 1990 pro-democracy struggle, lamenting that Saba Saba's dreams remain unfulfilled
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
As a section of Kenyans plan to mark Saba Saba Day, Raila Odinga says the struggle is far from over.
Source: Getty Images
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader called on Kenyans to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba pro-democracy movement at Nairobi’s Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, July 6, Odinga said the ideals that inspired the 1990 protests against then president Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule have not yet been fully realised.
Why does Raila want Kenyans to gather at Kamukunji grounds?
Raila dismissed the idea of demonstrators convening in the Nairobi Central Business District, instead advising that they assemble at Kamukunji Grounds, a location he described as “deeply symbolic” in Kenya’s political history.
“Kamukunji has got a historical meaning, that’s why we are going there. If you want to remember Saba Saba, then we go to Kamukunji. I always go to Kamukunji on Saba Saba day, even quietly, to remember the people who lost their lives there,” he said.
He added that a formal resolution would be passed at the gathering to honour those who fought for democratic reforms and to demand the realisation of the movement’s unfulfilled goals.
Odinga confirmed he would attend the event in person, stating, “I will be there in Kamukunji to remember the fallen heroes.”
Source: Getty Images
What is the significance of Saba Saba?
The Saba Saba protests on July 7, 1990, were a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political history, marking the beginning of sustained public agitation for multiparty democracy.
Raila, who was among those detained during the crackdown that followed the demonstrations, reflected on the personal cost of that struggle.
“Rubia and Matiba were arrested on the second of July. I was arrested on the fourth of July. That day they also arrested Imanyara and John Haminwa. Paul Muite managed to hide, and Kiraitu Murungi was in Addis Ababa,” he recounted.
Odinga was held at Kamiti Maximum Prison alongside Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, two of the most prominent voices in the push for political pluralism.
Despite the passage of time, Odinga expressed disappointment that Saba Saba’s promise remains largely unfulfilled.
“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” he said. “Violation of human rights is still a challenge. We have seen police shooting to kill people. We have not seen reforms which were recommended in the new constitution, and the economy has not performed as expected.”
Kenyans on edge ahead of Saba Saba Day
In a related development, TUKO.co.ke previously reported that business owners in Nairobi took extra precautions ahead of the planned protests.
Many closed their shops and installed metallic doors, while others moved their goods to safer locations outside the CBD. Some shop owners spent hundreds of thousands of shillings to reinforce security.
Thika Road Mall announced a full-day closure, citing a security alert warning of possible unrest. Traders in affected areas told customers they would not open on Monday, fearing looting and property damage.
While the private sector advised staff to work from home, the government directed all public servants to report to duty.
Did Raila Odinga celebrate Saba Saba at Kamukunji?
Raila did not make it to the Kamukunji grounds to lead Kenyans in marking the 35th Saba Saba day celebration.
Addressing the press at Serena Hotel later in the day, the former premier said he was unable to access the historic grounds because of police roadblocks on major roads in the city.
The ODM leader was scheduled to arrive at Kamukunji at 3pm to lead his supporters in commemorating the historic day and read some resolutions.
In his Monday evening address, Raila proposed the formation of an intergenerational national conclave to collect views from Kenyans on issues affecting the country and recommend the way forward.
The former premier also recommended reforms in the police service to restore confidence in their service and improve the relationship between the police and civilians.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on Raila Odinga's road to Kamukunji grounds.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
