Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has made a strong call for immediate police reforms, saying the current relationship between the police and the public has seriously deteriorated and needs urgent fixing.
Speaking on Monday, July 7, during the Saba Saba Day commemoration at Serena Hotel, Raila called for the formation of a national dialogue forum to help change the country’s current direction.
He emphasized the urgent need to restore trust between law enforcement officers and ordinary citizens, especially following a disturbing increase in police shootings during peaceful protests.
“I suggest the country quickly focuses on implementing deep police reforms that emphasize transparency, accountability, and rebuilding the trust between officers and the public,” Raila stated.
Apart from the police issue, Raila also addressed the growing mistrust among Kenyans—especially the youth—towards the Kenya Kwanza government.
To tackle this widespread dissatisfaction, he proposed the formation of what he termed an inclusive intergenerational national conclave—a broad-based forum that would bring together Kenyans from all walks of life to listen to their grievances and come up with irreversible reforms to move the country forward.
“I am proposing a national dialogue that includes all age groups and communities in Kenya so that we can listen to each other and come up with permanent reforms that will take the country in the right direction,” he said.
Raila stressed that such a forum should also address key governance concerns, such as the fight against corruption, by coming up with better systems that promote transparency and end impunity.
According to him, it’s time for leaders to be held accountable for their actions and decisions, not just in words but through practical changes.
Though Raila has been a central figure in the Saba Saba movement—which started in 1990 to fight for multi-party democracy in Kenya—he did not attend the main rally at Kamkunji Grounds this year.
He had earlier said he would be there to address Kenyans during the 35th anniversary celebrations. However, he explained that the event could not proceed as planned due to a heavy police presence and the blocking of major roads in and around Nairobi.
“Yesterday, during an interview, I confirmed I would attend the Saba Saba Day rally at Kamkunji. But when I saw the roads had been blocked and movement was impossible, I chose to speak to the media here at Serena instead,” Raila clarified.
The ODM leader further called for an end to what he termed impunity within the country’s three arms of government—Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature. He insisted that the proposed national forum must consist of independent and neutral members who can genuinely address the real issues affecting Kenyans, especially the youth.
He added, “The conclave should also craft a clear and long-term plan to tackle the problem of youth unemployment by expanding job opportunities in both the formal and informal sectors.”
Raila’s speech was repeatedly interrupted by the sound of gunshots outside the hotel, as police clashed with demonstrators protesting in various parts of Nairobi.
Even as he addressed the media, chaos continued outside, with loud bangs from teargas canisters and live bullets clearly audible in the background.
Throughout Monday morning, police managed to contain protesters in most areas, but violence still broke out in several parts of Nairobi. Tensions escalated, with angry demonstrators confronting law enforcement. By the time of Raila’s address, at least four people had reportedly been shot by the police during the protests.
Without directly naming anyone, Raila appeared to suggest that some individuals who were part of the oppressive regime in the 1980s and 1990s had now resurfaced and were using the Saba Saba platform for personal political gain.
“It is very unfortunate that some of the very people we were fighting against back then—those who approved the arrests and abuses—are now trying to act like they are part of this struggle. Some of them are still alive and are pretending to be freedom fighters,” Raila said.
His remarks came at a time when Kenyans, especially the youth, continue to raise their voices against police brutality, corruption, unemployment, and poor leadership.
Through his speech, Raila called for an urgent national conversation to reflect on Kenya’s future and to ensure that the dreams behind the Saba Saba movement are not lost.
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