On a day steeped in Kenya's democratic history, Saba Saba, observed annually on July 7th, the absence of one of its most enduring figures at the iconic Kamukunji Grounds spoke volumes. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a central protagonist in Kenya's prolonged struggle for multi-party democracy, revealed that he was effectively prevented from joining the commemorations, pointing fingers directly at the country's security apparatus.
Addressing the press from Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Monday, July 7, Odinga attributed his non-appearance to extensive road blockades orchestrated by security officers, allegedly under the command of Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. "Today I was going to join Kenyans at Kamukunji to commemorate Saba Saba Day. Unfortunately, as we all know the roads are blocked which made it difficult for people to go to Kamukunji," Odinga stated, painting a picture of deliberate state action to stifle public assembly. This forced him to issue a press statement instead of engaging directly with the crowds at the historic venue. Reports from across Nairobi confirmed widespread road closures and a heavy police presence, indeed making access to the CBD and Kamukunji extremely challenging for commuters and demonstrators alike.
Odinga's reflections on this year's Saba Saba were deeply intertwined with its historical genesis. He vividly recalled the harrowing events of July 7, 1990, when pro-democracy activists first converged on Kamukunji, facing brutal state repression. "The Kenyan people came out in large numbers to go to Kamukunji on July 7, 1990. Many people were killed attempting to reach the grounds at that time," he recounted, underscoring the profound sacrifices made during that era. His regret was palpable as he noted the inconsistency in consistently honoring the memory of such a pivotal day over its 35-year history.
More strikingly, Odinga used the platform to issue a scathing critique of contemporary political figures. He accused certain leaders of exploiting the sanctity of Saba Saba to advance their own political fortunes, even alleging that some were individuals who had actively suppressed the very democratic movements they now claim to champion. "It is unfortunate that some of the people we were fighting then and who sanctioned our arrest are trying to hide behind Saba Saba to advance their political fortunes. Some of them are alive today and are masquerading as liberators," the former PM claimed, without naming names, but clearly alluding to past betrayals within the political landscape.
For Odinga, Saba Saba is far more than just another date for a political rally. He insisted that the commemoration should be revered as sacred, deeply connected to the historic grounds of Kamukunji. "Saba Saba was and still is about the sacred and historic grounds of Kamukunji. It was not and is not just another routine street protest in Nairobi or any other town," he emphasized. He articulated its defining characteristics as being "inclusive, democratic, and inter-generational," encompassing people from all walks of life, both inside and outside government. These features, he argued, were the bedrock of Saba Saba's success in achieving the return of multi-party democracy.
