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 34th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests. The date, symbolically tied to the country’s pro-democracy struggle, was pivotal in the push for multiparty democracy in Kenya.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, Odinga emphasized that many of the grievances that led to the 1990 demonstrations remain unresolved. “We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” he said, citing ongoing economic hardships, police brutality, and violations of human rights.
Odinga stressed that he will personally attend the Kamukunji rally to honor the memory of those who lost their lives fighting for democratic space. “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.
The Saba Saba movement, named after July 7, was a turning point in Kenya’s political history. The protests challenged the then-authoritarian regime of President Daniel arap Moi and ultimately led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution, which had entrenched Kenya as a one-party state under KANU.
This year’s commemoration comes amid growing public anger over President William Ruto’s administration, especially over the high cost of living and heavy-handed policing during protests. Recent demonstrations have seen violent confrontations, with civilians killed or injured and reports of armed goons attacking peaceful protesters.
Meanwhile, the government has made it clear that Monday will not be observed as a public holiday. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku warned civil servants against staying away from work, saying those who fail to report will face disciplinary action. “Saba Saba is not a public holiday,” Ruku stated. “Anyone who fails to report will have to produce a show-cause letter.”
With tensions running high, many schools in urban areas have advised learners to remain at home until Tuesday, fearing a repeat of recent protest-related disruptions.
