President William Ruto’s long-time rival and recent political ally, Raila Odinga, has announced a major shift in stance, declaring his intention to personally attend a Saba Saba rally at Kamukunji Grounds on Monday, July 7.
In a media appearance, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement party announced that the symbolic return to Kamukunji was intended to honour those who died during the first Saba Saba protests 35 years ago.
“My idea is to call the people and go to Kamukunji, the first place where Saba Saba took place. I will be attending the Saba Saba at Kamukunji to remember those who were killed,” Raila stated.
The announcement represents a significant reversal of Raila's recent stance, in which he had been marginalised in the ongoing demonstrations led by Generation Z. In a previous statement, the ODM leader stated that while he would not be participating in the youth's street protests, he would morally support their demands for greater authority and accountability.
While speaking during a church service over the weekend, Raila criticised the government for attempting to suppress dissent, particularly the youth-led protests that have gripped the country in recent weeks.
"I have seen Gen Zs being teargassed. Continue receiving them and tell them that you will not surrender. They told me to sit at home after having done enough. I am at home but fully behind you," he said, praising the courage and persistence of the youth.
Raila reiterated his call for a comprehensive and serious national dialogue, insisting that it was the only path to resolve the underlying issues fuelling the unrest. He listed youth unemployment, corruption, tribalism, nepotism, and exclusion as urgent matters that must be addressed.
"What this country now requires is a serious, comprehensive dialogue that will be able to fix all the things that have gone wrong," he stated.
The opposition leader also took issue with the heavy-handed response by police against peaceful protesters, calling for an immediate end to the use of force against unarmed citizens.
"Police should not use brutality against unarmed innocent people who are demonstrating for their rights," he added.
In a sharp rebuke to religious leaders, Raila accused the clergy of siding with the government and failing to stand for social justice. He claimed some were visiting the State House with pre-written speeches aimed at praising the administration.
"The church must stand with the children and the people of this country. That moral authority is what is lacking today," he said.
Raila further demanded a complete overhaul of public service ethics, insisting that civil servants should not double as businesspeople.
"Civil servants should not become businessmen. They should either choose to be businessmen or be public servants," he concluded.
