NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said he was unable to join protesters at Kamukunji grounds on Monday to commemorate Saba Saba Day due to heavy police roadblocks that restricted movement across Nairobi.
“I was going to go to Kamukunji and join Kenyans in commemorating this important day. Unfortunately, as you all know, there were roadblocks all over town, which made it difficult for people to make it to Kamukunji,” Raila said.
The opposition leader had earlier called on Kenyans to gather at the historic grounds on July 7 to honour the pro-democracy movement that gave birth to multiparty democracy in 1990.
He was expected to make an appearance at 3 PM but was notably absent, even as groups of Gen Z protesters clashed with police in several parts of Nairobi.
Speaking on Sunday, Raila had urged citizens to remember the sacrifices made by democracy fighters, warning that the issues which sparked the original Saba Saba uprising—police brutality, economic inequality, and rights violations—still persist.
“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” Raila said. “Violation of human rights is still a challenge in the country, police brutality is there, and the economy has not performed as we expected.”
Monday’s Saba Saba anniversary came amid heightened tension, with police sealing off the Nairobi CBD and using teargas to disperse crowds attempting to converge at Kamukunji.
Dozens were arrested across the city and at least four people were confirmed dead in Kitengela, Kangemi, and Olkalou following clashes with security forces.
Despite his absence, Raila reiterated support for the peaceful protests, saying the struggle for justice and better governance must continue.
