NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 6 – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has called on Kenyans to gather at Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7, to commemorate the anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests.
Addressing the press on Sunday, Odinga said the ideals of the 1990 pro-democracy movement remain unfulfilled, citing ongoing economic hardship, police brutality, and human rights violations.
“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” he said. “Violation of human rights is still a challenge, police brutality continues, and the economy has not performed as expected.”
Odinga, a veteran opposition leader, said he will personally attend the Kamukunji event to honour those who lost their lives during the first Saba Saba uprising, held 35 years ago under President Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule.
“I will be there to remember the fallen heroes,” he said.
Odinga’s recent political alignment with President William Ruto has sparked speculation over whether other opposition leaders will join the Kamukunji rally.
Gov’t Urges Peace, Warns Against Violence
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, while speaking in Meru on Sunday, urged Kenyans to maintain peace during Monday’s commemorations. He warned against destruction of public property, a trend witnessed in recent protests where police stations and county offices were torched.
“The police have been blamed, but those who cause violence and use chaos for politics are destroying this country,” Murkomen said.
He urged the police to act professionally, adding that the government has no intention of harming anyone.
“We want peace. That is our priority,” he said.
Schools Shut, Public Warned Against Absenteeism
Uncertainty has gripped several towns ahead of Saba Saba Day, with many learning institutions issuing notices to suspend classes on Monday. Parents have been advised to keep students at home amid fears of potential unrest.
Kenya Railways has also suspended its Madaraka Express service between Mombasa and Nairobi, citing technical challenges.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, however, warned civil servants against skipping work, stressing that Monday is a normal working day.
“I will personally conduct spot checks,” he said. “Saba Saba is not a public holiday. Anyone absent without justification will face disciplinary action.”
Wetang’ula Cautions Against Divisive Politics
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged Kenyans to resist tribal and divisive politics, saying unity is essential for progress.
Speaking during a women’s empowerment event in Msambweni, Kwale County, Wetang’ula said: “Kenya belongs to all of us—not one region or name. Our strength lies in our unity.”
A Legacy of Protest and Reform
The Saba Saba movement, named after the Swahili word for “seven-seven” (July 7), marked the turning point in Kenya’s democratic history. The 1990 protests, violently crushed by security forces, eventually led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution and ushered in multiparty democracy.
This year’s anniversary comes amid a wave of Gen Z-led protests and rising public frustration with the Ruto administration over the cost of living, corruption, and excessive force used by police.
