How the Historic Saba Saba rally reincarnates Raila's spirit to battle Ruto

Raila Odinga's quest to liberate Kenyans from authoritarianism remain unstoppable.

History of the Saba Saba event in Kenya

The original Saba Saba rally was organized by Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia and Raila Odinga. However, the three didn't make it to the Kamukunji venue.

The first Saba Saba rally in Kenya took place on 07/07/1990. The aim of the event was to bludgeon the then president Daniel Arap Moi to repeal section 2(A) of the Constitution in paving way for multiparty democracy.

Political players Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Raila Odinga, lawyers John Khaminwa and Gitobu Imanyara were arrested by the police.

Kiraitu Murungi who was on a trip to Ethiopia, chose to cut-off his journey back to Kenya and fled to the United Kingdom.

Lawyer Mohammed Ibrahim, currently a judge of the Supreme Court, was arrested by the Special Branch officers after they failed to find the then Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Paul Muite at his office.

Senior Counsel Gibson Kamau Kuria sought asylum at the American embassy, and with the assistance of the then US ambassador Smith Hempstone fled out of the country.

Only Masinde Muliro, Martin Shikuku and James Orengo made it to Kamukunji after dodging police roadblocks.

Indeed, the 1990 Saba Saba event formed the basis of the second liberation struggle in Kenya.

Will Raila ignite the first Saba Saba spirit?

ODM leader Raila Odinga, Siaya governor James Orengo are among the few individuals who were part of the initial Saba Saba rally and are still politically active.

Most of the initial Saba Saba event architects are death, some are old aged while others have chosen to be politically neutral.

Raila Odinga has staged a Saba Saba rally of its kind at the historic Kamukunji grounds to protest against the increased cost of living in Kenya that's being triggered by punitive tax measures.

Raila is set to take president William Ruto head on in an event that will have a nationwide impact.

Organizers of the event led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and his Makadara counterpart George Aladwa had urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to grace the 33rd anniversary of Saba Saba.

Raila Odinga's Clarion call

Raila led Kenyans to mark the 33rd anniversary of Saba Saba, amid calls for his supporters to join him in the signature movement to oust president William Ruto from power.

Raila accused the government for misusing the police in attempts to assassinate him as soon as he left Kamukunji.

The ODM leader changed plan from heading to Central Park and instead went to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation headquarters, where he issued his final address.

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