NAIROBI, Kenya – ODM party leader Raila Odinga has urged the government to convene a national dialogue to address Kenya’s deepening political, economic, and social crises, saying the country is once again at a crossroads reminiscent of the original Saba Saba protests 35 years ago.
Odinga, a key figure in Kenya’s democratic transition in the early 1990s, said that the country’s youth are still grappling with the very challenges that inspired the historic July 7, 1990 demonstrations — including economic inequality, police brutality, and poor governance.
While he had been expected to attend a rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi to commemorate the anniversary, Odinga was forced to cancel the appearance due to heavy police presence and roadblocks that cut off access to the venue.
“I was going to Kamukunji to join Kenyans in commemorating this important day. Unfortunately, circumstances today — the roadblocks all over town — made it difficult for people to get there,” he said in a press briefing.
Instead, the opposition leader proposed the formation of a national conclave, a broad-based civic forum bringing together voices across political divides, age groups, and regions to chart a new course for the country.
“The most important struggle now is for good governance and economic opportunity,” Odinga said. “Do we embrace chaos, or do we choose unity? As one of the architects of Saba Saba, I choose unity — a coming together of minds and a country.”
He outlined four key pillars for the dialogue:
- A national conclave to deliberate and develop an inclusive reform agenda.
- Comprehensive police reforms to end brutality and build trust in the security sector.
- Renewed fight against corruption with transparency and accountability at its core.
- Youth empowerment and economic inclusion, to tackle rising frustration among Gen Z and millennials.
Odinga criticised the security forces’ response to recent youth-led protests, which have been marked by police violence and civilian deaths.
“We inherited a rogue force from the colonialists — one that still shoots people with impunity. We must reform it urgently,” he said.
The Saba Saba movement — Swahili for “Seven Seven” — was launched on July 7, 1990, as a grassroots push for multiparty democracy after decades of one-party rule under then-president Daniel arap Moi.
Though violently suppressed at the time, the protests eventually led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution and ushered in Kenya’s multiparty era.
This year’s anniversary comes amid mounting public anger over the high cost of living, perceived government arrogance, and recent deadly crackdowns on protesters opposing President William Ruto’s administration.
Despite once being the face of opposition politics, Odinga now finds himself navigating a new role following a political truce with Ruto that has seen him lose favour among some of his traditional support base — especially in the wake of youth-led protests calling for government accountability.
Still, Odinga insisted that the solution lies not in continued unrest, but in collective civic action through a national process of healing and reform.
“The conclave must be guided by the most sober and serious minds in our nation. It should lead to a referendum, where the people will have the final say on Kenya’s future.”
