Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a longtime political rival of President William Ruto and recent ally, has made a dramatic shift in his position.
Raila has now announced that he will personally attend the Saba Saba rally scheduled for Monday, July 7, at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi.
Speaking during a media appearance, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader said the move is aimed at honouring the memory of those who lost their lives during the original Saba Saba protests, which took place 35 years ago.
“I want to call on Kenyans to join me at Kamukunji, the original venue of the Saba Saba movement. I will be there to remember the brave souls who were killed during that struggle,” Raila declared.
This announcement marks a clear reversal from Raila’s earlier position, where he had taken a back seat during the current wave of protests largely led by Generation Z.
At the time, Raila had said he would not physically join the demonstrations but would continue to support the youth’s cause from a distance.
During a recent church service, Raila openly criticised the government for trying to crush the youth-led protests that have been spreading across the country.
He expressed his admiration for the courage shown by young Kenyans and encouraged them not to give up.
“I have seen Gen Zs being tear-gassed, but I say to them — don’t give up. Stay strong and keep going. Some told me to retire, saying I’ve done my part. And yes, I’m at home, but know this — I fully support you,” he told the congregation.
Raila again called for a serious and inclusive national dialogue, warning that unless the government addresses the root causes of discontent, the situation could worsen.
He pointed out critical problems such as rising youth unemployment, rampant corruption, tribal divisions, nepotism, and political exclusion as major issues facing the country.
“This country urgently needs a genuine and all-inclusive national dialogue — one that can provide lasting solutions to the problems we are facing,” Raila emphasized.
He also condemned the excessive use of force by police officers against peaceful protesters, calling it unjust and unacceptable. According to Raila, the youth have every right to express their frustrations without being met with violence.
“Police officers must stop using force on innocent, unarmed citizens who are only standing up for their rights,” he said firmly.
Turning to the religious community, Raila criticised some clergy members for aligning themselves with the government instead of standing up for truth and justice.
He claimed that certain church leaders were being used as political tools, often attending State House meetings with prepared speeches praising the regime.
“The church must be a voice of truth and justice. It should stand with the people, especially the young generation. Right now, we are missing that moral leadership,” Raila noted.
He concluded by calling for integrity and ethics within the public service. According to him, government officials should not be allowed to run businesses while serving in public office. He said this conflict of interest is one of the main drivers of corruption in the country.
“Public servants must choose — either you serve the public or you go into business. You cannot do both,” Raila asserted.
As the Saba Saba rally approaches, all eyes are now on Kamukunji to see how this symbolic return by Raila will shape the ongoing protests and national conversation. His re-entry into the political frontline signals a potentially powerful turning point in Kenya’s push for reforms.
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