Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a veteran opposition leader, has declared himself the architect of the historic Saba Saba protests, stating, “I am the one who created Saba Saba,” while urging Kenya’s Gen Z to forgo street demonstrations and gather at Kamukunji Grounds to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1990 pro-democracy movement.
Speaking at a press conference in Karen on July 6, Odinga emphasised that Saba Saba, meaning “Seven Seven” in Swahili, is a day to honour those who died fighting for multiparty democracy, not for protests.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions amid ongoing Gen Z-led protests against President William Ruto’s administration.
The Saba Saba protests of July 7, 1990, organised by Odinga alongside Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, marked a turning point in Kenya’s fight against Daniel Moi’s one-party regime.
Despite violent suppression, with over 20 deaths and 1,000 arrests, the rallies led to the repeal of Section 2A in 1991, restoring multiparty elections.
Odinga’s call to gather at Kamukunji, a historic site for pro-democracy struggles, aims to pass a resolution for a “better Kenya”, as he noted, “People will meet in Kamukunji and pass a resolution. This is what we want, the Kenya we want to be.”
However, Odinga’s appeal to Gen Z, who have driven protests against the Finance Bill 2025, police brutality, and corruption, has faced doubts.
Critics highlight his recent political alliance with Ruto, formed after the 2024 protests, as a betrayal of the youth’s push for accountability.
Despite this, Odinga praised Gen Z’s courage, saying, “I am behind you,” while condemning police brutality and calling for dialogue to address unemployment and governance issues.
As Kenya braces for Saba Saba 2025, with heightened security and reported KDF Green Berets deployment, Odinga’s call for peaceful commemoration at Kamukunji shows tensions between historical activism and modern youth movements.
