Saba Saba: Raila Odinga Blames Police Roadblocks for Failed Kamukunji Rally
- Raila Odinga was blocked from leading a Saba Saba rally at Kamukunji grounds due to heavy police roadblocks across Nairobi
- Speaking from Serena Hotel, he criticised the police as a rogue force rooted in colonial history and demanded urgent reforms
- The opposition leader used the moment to call for national dialogue, ethical leadership and an end to corruption and impunity
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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
Raila Odinga’s Saba Saba message came from a different podium, but his resolve remained unchanged.
Source: Getty Images
The veteran opposition leader strongly condemned the Kenyan police for preventing him and his supporters from holding a planned rally to commemorate the 35th Saba Saba Day.
The rally, initially set to take place at Kamukunji grounds on Monday, July 7, was meant to honour the historic 1990 protests that played a key role in the country’s democratic journey.
Raila had earlier urged Kenyans to gather in solidarity at Kamukunji, a site historically linked with political resistance.
Instead, he addressed the nation from Serena Hotel in Nairobi, where he explained how police roadblocks across the city had blocked access to the venue and disrupted the planned commemorations.
"Today, the 35th anniversary of Saba Saba, I was going to go to Kamukunji, to join other Kenyans in commemorating this very important day. Unfortunately, as we all know, the roadblocks all over town have made it impossible to access Nairobi," Raila said.
Why did Raila criticise the police?
Raila did not mince his words as he launched a scathing attack on the police service, accusing it of operating like a colonial relic and turning rogue by using force against civilians.
Describing the institution as a threat to civil freedoms, he called for immediate reforms to transform the police into a people-centred service.
"We have a rogue police force that shoots people... this is a force we inherited from the colonial masters. It must be reformed," he said, visibly agitated.
He proposed a nationwide push for comprehensive police reforms focused on accountability and restoring public trust in law enforcement.
What did Raila propose in his Saba Saba speech?
Despite being blocked from the symbolic grounds, Raila used the occasion to urge for national unity through dialogue, and called out the growing levels of corruption and poor leadership in government.
"Where do we go from here? Do we embrace the chaos or the coming together of minds? I'm choosing coming together of minds for the interest of the country," he stated.
He argued that Kenya must reject impunity and instead embrace ethical leadership across all arms of government.
He said elected leaders must show humility, integrity, and a true commitment to public service.
Raila, one of the original architects of the Saba Saba movement, framed the day as a moment not only for reflection, but also for action in shaping a better, more just Kenya.
Source: AFP
What happened during Saba Saba protests?
The Saba Saba demonstrations turned deadly in parts of Nairobi after four people were reportedly shot dead.
What had been anticipated as peaceful protests over economic and governance concerns quickly escalated into chaos, with security forces clashing with demonstrators in several areas.
Two protesters were fatally shot in Kangemi, where eyewitnesses claimed that at least one of the victims was not part of the protests.
In Ngong, another two people lost their lives amid running battles between protesters and police.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
