Raila Odinga has said that the barricades on the roads around entry points to CBD made it impossible for people to arrive at Kamkunji Grounds to commemorate Saba Saba Day. Photo: ODM X.
Former prime minister and pioneer of Saba Saba pioneer Raila Odinga has said addressed the country after cancelling his much anticipated rally at historical Kamkunji Grounds in Nairobi.
Odinga said that the barricades and road-blocks erected various entry points to Nairobi CBD made him cancel the rally, even though he had plans to hold the rally to commemorate the journey of multiparty democracy in the country on July 7, 1990.
“I was planning to go to Kamkunji to join other Kenyans in commemorating this very important day. Unfortunately, as you all know circumstances today the road blocks all over town , which ahs made it difficult for people to move to Kamkunji,” Odinga stated.
During his address at Serena hotel in Nairobi, Odinga expressed his disappoint for the day lacking a proper dignity of commemoration for years, with ever changing markings some memorable while some turning out chaotic.
He further faulted the country for failing to keep the consistency in marking the important day, despite rivaling important national holidays attained by the country’s freedom fighters.
“Kenya struggle for multiparty democracy has taken a more detersive turn. It is regrettable that the recognition and remembrance of Saba Saba has not been consistent in its short history of 35 years. One moment it is important, the next minute it is not on. on this 35th anniversary of Saba Saba, we decided to remember and to set the record straight the significance of what it was and is and what we ought to do to date for the country,” he lamented.
He said the country is at its liberty after the events of July 7, 1990, further arguing that as a country, it is our duty to honour those fought for multiparty democracy, as he expressed his worries of the day turning chaotic and struggling with the rising political activism in the country by young generation.
“We are a better nation because Saba Saba happened. We have a duty and responsibility to honour the men and women who dared to dream and to turn out at a time of great peril to themselves and their families. 35 years later, the country is grappling with a new wave of unrest and political activism. The question we have to ask ourselves is where do we go from here? Do we embrace chaos or a coming together of minds and country? As a living architect of the events leading to Saba Saba, I choose a coming together of minds and country in the interest of the country I long fought for its progress, stability and prosperity,” he added.
Odinga urged the country to embrace inclusive dialogue in the country, and not chaos as it is not what he fought and laboured for 35 years ago.
