Latest news with #RailaOdinga
Al Bawaba
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Ten killed in Kenya's Saba Saba protests
ALBAWABA- Kenya's veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for a national dialogue to address the country's deepening political, economic, and social crises, following deadly protests that marked this year's Saba Saba anniversary. According to a Kenyan human rights group, at least ten people were killed during the nationwide demonstrations, which were driven largely by youth demanding government accountability and justice. #BREAKING Ten killed in nationwide Kenya protests: Kenyan rights group — AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 7, 2025 Odinga, who played a central role in Kenya's democratic transition during the original Saba Saba protests of July 7, 1990, said the same issues that mobilized citizens 35 years ago, economic inequality, police brutality, and poor governance, remain painfully unresolved. Speaking at a press briefing, he warned that the country was once again 'at a crossroads.' He was expected to address a rally at Nairobi's Kamukunji Grounds to commemorate the anniversary but was forced to cancel his appearance after police roadblocks and a heavy security presence effectively blocked access to the venue. 'I was going to Kamukunji to join Kenyans in commemorating this important day. Unfortunately, the roadblocks all over town made it difficult for people to get there,' Odinga said. In response to the growing public unrest, Odinga proposed the establishment of a national conclave, an inclusive civic forum representing diverse political voices, age groups, and regions, to chart a new direction for the country. 'The most important struggle now is for good governance and economic opportunity,' he said. 'Do we embrace chaos, or do we choose unity? As one of the architects of Saba Saba, I choose unity.' He outlined four main pillars for the proposed dialogue: launching a national reform agenda through an inclusive forum, implementing comprehensive police reforms, intensifying the fight against corruption with a focus on transparency, and prioritizing youth empowerment and economic inclusion to address the frustrations of Kenya's Gen Z and millennial populations. Odinga sharply criticized the security forces for their violent response to the youth-led protests. 'We inherited a rogue force from the colonialists—one that still shoots people with impunity. We must reform it urgently,' he said, underscoring the urgency for systemic change in the country's policing institutions. The original Saba Saba movement was a pivotal moment in Kenya's history, sparking a nationwide push for multiparty democracy after years of one-party rule under former president Daniel arap Moi. Although met with brutal repression, the movement ultimately led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution and ushered in a new democratic era. This year's anniversary unfolded against the backdrop of mounting public discontent over the high cost of living, government crackdowns, and perceived indifference from President William Ruto's administration. While Odinga has historically been the face of Kenya's opposition, his recent political rapprochement with Ruto has distanced him from parts of his traditional support base, particularly among younger Kenyans who have taken to the streets demanding reform. Despite this, Odinga emphasized that the way forward must be through civic engagement and a renewed national commitment to reform. 'The conclave must be guided by the most sober and serious minds in our nation,' he said. 'It should lead to a referendum, where the people will have the final say on Kenya's future.'
Saudi Gazette
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Central Nairobi sealed off ahead of Kenyan protests
NAIROBI — Kenya's security forces have blocked all major roads leading into central Nairobi, ahead of planned nationwide protests. Much of the city centre is deserted, with businesses shut and a heavy security presence on the streets. Some schools have advised students to stay at home. Hundreds of early-morning commuters and overnight travellers were stranded at checkpoints, some located more than 10km (six miles) from the city centre, with only a few vehicles allowed through. Within the city, roads leading to key government sites — including the president's official residence, State House, and the Kenyan parliament — are barricaded with razor wire. In a statement issued on Sunday evening, the police said it was their constitutional duty to protect lives and property while maintaining public order. Monday's protests, dubbed Saba Saba (Swahili for 7 July), commemorate the 1990s struggle for multiparty democracy in Kenya. These demonstrations have been organised primarily by young people, demanding good governance, greater accountability, and justice for victims of police brutality. They are the latest in a wave of anti-government protests that began last year. On 25 June, at least 19 people were killed and thousands of businesses looted and destroyed in a day of nationwide protests that were being held in honour of those killed in last year's anti-tax protests. Recent demonstrations have turned violent, with reports of infiltration by "goons", who are accused of looting and attacking protesters. Civil society groups allege collusion between these groups and the police — accusations the police have strongly denied. On Sunday, an armed gang attacked the headquarters of a human rights NGO in Nairobi. The Kenya Human Rights Commission had been hosting a press conference organised by women calling for an end to state violence ahead of Monday's protests. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the original Saba Saba protests — a key moment that helped usher in multiparty democracy in Kenya after years of one-party rule. The response by the then government under President Daniel arap Moi was brutal. Many protesters, including veteran politician Raila Odinga, who is now working with the government, were arrested and tortured, while at least 20 people were reportedly killed. Since then, Saba Saba has come to symbolise civic resistance and the fight for democratic freedom in Kenya. — BBC
AFP
26-06-2025
- Politics
- AFP
Misleading videos shared as Kenyan leaders' stances on anniversary protests
On June 25, 2025, Kenya marked the first anniversary of the anti-government protests that saw demonstrators breach parliament. Ahead of the anniversary, videos shared on social media purported to show prominent Kenyan leaders — including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, ex-deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, and opposition leader Raila Odinga — speaking against the planned anniversary protests. However, these claims are misleading; two of the clips are old, and one features false text. 'Gen Z Wednesday morning come and meet us you'll see fire,' reads the text overlay on a TikTok post published on June 24, 2025, partly in Swahili. The post was shared more than 900 times. The clip shows Kindiki giving a warning: 'I hear there are people giving many stories there on what they will do on Wednesday. Come in the morning and meet us.' He adds: 'Because this country is not yours alone, it belongs to everyone. Those who are not protesting, it is their country. Even you, it is your country. Is the country yours alone?' Image Screenshot of the misleading post, taken on June 24, 2025 'Message is clear from Gachagua no protests (sic),' reads the text overlaid on another TikTok post published on June 20, 2025, in Swahili and English. '...To plead with you to call off the protests, so that criminals do not hijack them and engage in criminal activities. The president has already ceded, so you have pleaded to be heard, and you'll be heard,' Gachagua says in the clip. 'But anytime now you call for protests, criminals with bad intent are hijacking and using that opportunity to loot, to steal and to cause mayhem,' he continues. 'As our children you owe this country peace, please consider now that you have been heard. Don't allow these criminals an opportunity to take advantage of what you had started in good faith with a message to the country, infiltrate and hijack and bring chaos to our beautiful country.' Image Screenshot of the misleading post, taken on June 24, 2025 On a third TikTok post, published on June 24, 2025, a text overlay reads: ''No protests tomorrow!' Raila Odinga on June 25 Protests.' 'The youth and other Kenyans said they would go for protests tomorrow,' Odinga says in the clip. He then reads Article 37 of the constitution which guarantees every Kenyan's right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions to public authorities. He also points out the need for protesters to 'notify the authorities in advance' and 'share details of the starting point, route, end location and time' of the planned protests, adding that the role of the police is to 'guard the protestors, ensure peace and protect property from destruction'. Image Screenshot of the misleading post, taken on June 24, 2025 Landmark protest anniversary June 25, 2025, marked one year since anti-tax protests culminated in demonstrators storming Kenya's parliament. At least sixty people were killed by security forces during the protests (archived here and here). According to a report by the Kenyan civil society coalition Missing Voices, last year's anti-government demonstrations increased enforced disappearances by police by 450 percent in 2024 (archived here). Recent weeks have seen renewed public outrage stemming from allegations of police abductions and arbitrary arrests, notably following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody earlier this month (archived here). Ahead of the anniversary, President William Ruto warned against violence and disruption, urging Kenyans to respect the police and not provoke or intimidate them (archived here). However, the clips linking several prominent leaders' addresses to the anniversary protests are misleading. Videos missing context AFP Fact Check conducted reverse image searches for keyframes from the videos and the results established that the clips of Kindiki and Gachagua are old, while the Odinga clip, despite being used in the right context, is incorrectly described. The clip of Kindiki was originally published by Citizen TV on July 10, 2023 (archived here). At the time, Kindiki, who was serving as interior cabinet secretary, was warning opposition protesters who were planning mass action. He cautioned against violence and destruction of property, stating that the police would use full force to maintain peace. While he has not publicly commented on this year's anniversary protests, after he was appointed deputy president, Kindiki defended his tenure as interior minister, stating that he takes no responsibility for last year's police operations (archived here). He acknowledged the pain of the families who lost loved ones but emphasised the need for order. The clip showing Gachagua was published by Citizen TV on July 3, 2024 (archived here). In that address, he was pleading with the youth to call off the anti-government protests that had rocked the country for weeks, occasioned by the 2024 Finance Bill. Gachagua did, however, recently speak against the anniversary protests. He warned the youth not to take to the streets and advised them to conduct their commemorations peacefully from their homes, alleging a plot by the government to kill protesters using hired goons (archived here). Finally, the clip of Odinga is from an address he gave in Mombasa a day before the protest anniversary (archived here). While he did indeed address the planned anniversary protests, he did not at any point speak against them, as the text on TikTok claims. Instead, he defended Kenyans' right to protest, pointed out the need to notify relevant authorities in advance, and urged the government to respect the constitution and allow peaceful protests under police protection. He also called out the church for what he termed as selective outrage, accusing religious leaders of hypocrisy over their recent condemnation of police brutality.
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Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Kenya's ex-PM disappointed Adani deal for JKI airport expansion failed
Kenya's former prime minister Raila Odinga has said that he was disappointed when the Adani deal to expand and manage the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) collapsed, according to a media report on Friday. Odinga, while speaking on the second day of the National Executive Retreat in Karen in Nairobi, also said that the deal was politicised, resulting in its cancellation, The Star newspaper reported. "I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract that was very unfortunate, he was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) said should the deal have proceeded, it would have elevated Nairobi into a regional economic hub. He said that the first expansion contract for JKIA was awarded during his tenure as the Prime Minister but was later on cancelled after the grand coalition government left office. We had awarded the Greenfield airport contract before we left government with Mwai Kibaki in 2012. That contract was cancelled, then it was given to the same contractor but then again cancelled because of disagreements. When we got to Adani, they (the political rivals) brought politics and the contract was cancelled," he said. If that is not done, Nairobi will just become dormant. Look at Addis Ababa, they are going and now putting up a new big airport and it's going to be the hub around, he added. Under the proposed airport deal worth nearly $2 billion, the conglomerate was to add a second runway at JKIA and upgrade the passenger terminal. It was also to operate it on a 30-year lease.
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Business Standard
20-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Kenya's ex-PM disappointed as Adani deal for JKI airport expansion fails
Kenya's former prime minister Raila Odinga has said that he was disappointed when the Adani deal to expand and manage the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) collapsed, according to a media report on Friday. Odinga, while speaking on the second day of the National Executive Retreat in Karen in Nairobi, also said that the deal was politicised, resulting in its cancellation, The Star newspaper reported. "I was very disappointed when we were not able to move on with the airport contract that was very unfortunate, he was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) said should the deal have proceeded, it would have elevated Nairobi into a regional economic hub. He said that the first expansion contract for JKIA was awarded during his tenure as the Prime Minister but was later on cancelled after the grand coalition government left office. We had awarded the Greenfield airport contract before we left government with Mwai Kibaki in 2012. That contract was cancelled, then it was given to the same contractor but then again cancelled because of disagreements. When we got to Adani, they (the political rivals) brought politics and the contract was cancelled," he said. If that is not done, Nairobi will just become dormant. Look at Addis Ababa, they are going and now putting up a new big airport and it's going to be the hub around, he added. Under the proposed airport deal worth nearly $2 billion, the conglomerate was to add a second runway at JKIA and upgrade the passenger terminal. It was also to operate it on a 30-year lease. Odinga said if the airport construction is done, it has the potential to become Africa's top airline.
