Raila Announces Saba Saba Rally at Kamukunji in Sudden Political Shift
In a dramatic political turn, former Prime Minister and ODM party leader Raila Odinga has announced that he will personally attend a Saba Saba rally at Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7, 2025. The move marks a sharp reversal from his earlier distance from the Gen Z-led demonstrations sweeping the country.
Raila made the declaration during a media interview, stating that the symbolic return to Kamukunji is meant to honour the memory of those killed during the historic Saba Saba protests that began 35 years ago. “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,” he said.
For weeks, Odinga had expressed moral support for the protests but maintained that the youth should lead the movement independently. His renewed presence now signals solidarity with the growing unrest over issues such as police brutality, unemployment, corruption, and governance.
Speaking during a weekend church service, Raila condemned the state’s suppression of the youth-led protests, praising the resilience of Gen Z demonstrators. “I have seen Gen Zs being teargassed. Continue receiving them and tell them that you will not surrender. They told me to sit at home after having done enough. I am at home but fully behind you,” he said.
Raila also reiterated the need for a national dialogue to tackle systemic problems. He called for urgent discussions on unemployment, corruption, tribalism, nepotism, and the exclusion of young people and marginalised communities.
“What this country now requires is a serious, comprehensive dialogue that will be able to fix all the things that have gone wrong,” Odinga stated.
He strongly criticised the police response to protests, urging an end to the use of force against unarmed citizens. “Police should not use brutality against unarmed innocent people who are demonstrating for their rights,” he said.
Raila also took aim at religious leaders, accusing them of failing to speak out against injustice. He alleged that some clergy had become complicit by praising the government instead of championing social justice. “The church must stand with the children and the people of this country. That moral authority is what is lacking today,” he charged.
In his closing remarks, Raila emphasized the need for ethical governance, urging civil servants to choose between public service and private business. “Civil servants should not become businessmen. They should either choose to be businessmen or be public servants,” he concluded.
Raila’s decision to join the Saba Saba rally marks a critical moment in Kenya’s political discourse and may significantly influence the momentum of ongoing protests.
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Raila Announces Saba Saba Rally at Kamukunji in Sudden Political Shift