In a dramatic political twist, ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has announced that he will attend the upcoming Saba Saba rally at Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7, 2025 — a move seen as a symbolic return to his roots in activism and a response to growing public dissent.
The former Prime Minister made the declaration during a press briefing, saying his decision was motivated by the need to honour victims of the original Saba Saba protests that occurred 35 years ago — a historic movement that helped push Kenya toward multi-party democracy.
“I plan to join Kenyans at Kamukunji — the birthplace of Saba Saba — to honour those who paid the ultimate price for freedom,” Raila said.
A RETURN TO THE STREETS — AND TO THE PEOPLE
Raila’s announcement marks a notable shift from his previous position. In recent weeks, he had remained on the sidelines of the youth-led anti-government protests, spearheaded by Generation Z demonstrators demanding reforms, transparency, and accountability.
While he had earlier stated that he would not physically join the protests, Raila had expressed unwavering moral support for the Gen Z cause. However, his decision to attend the Kamukunji rally suggests a renewed hands-on approach.
“They told me to stay home — that I had done enough. But I want Gen Z to know, I am fully with them. I have seen them teargassed, and I say: do not give up,” Raila declared while speaking at a recent church event.
CALL FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE AND AN END TO POLICE BRUTALITY
The ODM chief did not hold back in condemning the government’s handling of peaceful demonstrations, accusing law enforcement of excessive force and calling for an end to police brutality.
“There is no justification for using tear gas and bullets on unarmed, peaceful protesters. Kenyans have a right to speak out against injustice,” Raila emphasized.
He further demanded a comprehensive national dialogue to address the country’s core challenges — including youth unemployment, tribalism, corruption, nepotism, and exclusion.
“What Kenya desperately needs now is an honest and far-reaching national conversation to fix everything that has gone wrong,” he said.
A CRITICAL MESSAGE TO CHURCH LEADERS
Raila also criticized the clergy, accusing some religious leaders of abandoning their moral responsibility in favor of political alignment.
“The church must rise to the occasion and stand with the people, especially the youth. Some clergy are going to State House with pre-written speeches to praise the government — this is not what spiritual leadership is about,” he said.
A FRESH CALL FOR ETHICAL GOVERNANCE
In his wide-ranging speech, the former Premier took a swipe at the growing trend of civil servants engaging in business, insisting that public officers must choose between business and service to the nation.
“You cannot serve two masters. If you’re a public servant, then be one — don’t moonlight as a businessman. The ethics of public service must be restored,” Raila asserted.
POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS AHEAD OF 2027
As Raila throws his weight behind the July 7 Saba Saba rally, analysts believe this move could realign political forces ahead of the 2027 General Election. His re-entry into the protest space signals that Kenya’s seasoned opposition leader is far from retiring from active politics.
