Raila Odinga Explains Absence From Saba Saba Rally At Kamukunji

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has explained why he was unable to attend the Saba Saba commemorations at Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Speaking during a press briefing at Serena Hotel, Raila said he had intended to join Kenyans at Kamukunji to mark the important day, but widespread roadblocks across Nairobi made it difficult for him and others to access the venue.

“I was going to Kamukunji to join other Kenyans in commemorating this very important day. Unfortunately, as you all know, circumstances today—roadblocks all over town—made it difficult for people to move,” said Raila.

The ODM leader had earlier called on Kenyans to gather at Kamukunji to honour the spirit of the pro-democracy movement that began on July 7, 1990.

He said that the ideals behind Saba Saba remain as relevant today as they were 35 years ago, pointing to ongoing challenges such as human rights violations, police brutality, and economic inequality.

“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” Raila said. “Violation of human rights is still a challenge in the country, police brutality is there, and the economy has not performed as we expected.”

He recalled how in 1982, efforts to introduce political pluralism were blocked when the then government passed Section 2A in Parliament, effectively making Kenya a one-party state.

Raila reaffirmed his commitment to the Saba Saba ideals, saying he would personally attend the event to remember those who lost their lives during the 1990 protests. “I will be attending the Saba Saba at Kamukunji to remember those who were killed,” he stated.

The Saba Saba movement, whose name translates to “Seven Seven” in Kiswahili, marked the beginning of the end of single-party rule in Kenya under President Daniel arap Moi. The protests played a key role in paving the way for constitutional reforms and the reintroduction of multiparty democracy.

Despite the significance of the day, the government maintained that July 7 would be a normal working day. However, from early morning, anti-riot police mounted roadblocks on major routes leading into the Nairobi Central Business District, conducting searches on both private and public vehicles.

Many schools in urban areas chose to remain closed out of caution, following recent protests that turned chaotic, with reports of looting, violence and a heavy police crackdown.