Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has called on Kenyans to gather at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi on Monday, July 7, to mark the anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests, which ignited the country’s push for multiparty democracy 35 years ago.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Odinga said the ideals that inspired the 1990 demonstrations remain largely unfulfilled, citing ongoing economic hardships, police brutality, and human rights violations as symptoms of a deeper democratic backslide.
“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” Raila stated. “The violation of human rights is still a challenge in the country. The economy has not performed as we expected. Saba Saba was meant to bring people together for a common cause: change.”
The long-time opposition figure said he will personally attend the gathering at Kamukunji, the same location where activists defied state threats in 1990 to demand the repeal of Section 2A and the legalisation of multiparty democracy in Kenya.
“My idea is to call the people and go to Kamukunji—the first place where Saba Saba took place. I will be attending to remember those who were killed in that struggle,” he said.
Odinga’s renewed push for Saba Saba comes amid rising national tension, with civil society raising alarm over the government’s handling of dissent. The deportation of KHRC’s legal advisor, threats against public servants skipping work, and the planned restrictions on livestreaming protests have further escalated public unease.
Despite Odinga’s call, it remains unclear whether other key opposition figures will support or join the rally. The ODM leader’s political alliance with President William Ruto in recent months has complicated his standing with some opposition forces.
