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Nasa to hold Saba Saba rally at Kamukunji


The opposition alliance, Nasa, will Friday hold the Saba Saba rally at Nairobi’s Kamukunji grounds.

The day commemorates political protests held on July 7, 1990 led by opposition leaders then during the push for an end to Kanu’s single party dictatorship.

The protests were to culminate in a political rally at Kamukunji grounds but anti-riot police officers dispersed the gathering and several opposition leaders were arrested.

Some of the leaders present during the 1990 protests included Siaya Senator James Orengo, Mr Martin Shikuku, Mr Masinde Muliro and other proponents of the multi-party political system.

PEACE SYMBOLS

Nasa presidential flag bearer Raila Odinga on Wednesday asked the public to turn up for the rally in normal dressing but with white caps and handkerchiefs to symbolise peace.

Mr Odinga, who spoke at a press briefing at the Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, said the day is symbolic in Kenya’s liberation history and should therefore be celebrated as such.

“Saba Saba is a very important day in our liberation calendar in this country.

“When we came up to say that the time had come for Kenya to go multi-party, we were condemned for being diversionary and some of us were called ethnic chauvinists and so on,” Mr Odinga said.

DETAINED

The ODM leader recalled that a few days before Saba Saba, together with Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, they were arrested and detained.

“But Kenyans, despite all that, defied the intimidation and threats [and] marched to Kamukunji grounds and some people were killed while others found their way into prison. We are remembering Saba Saba because it set the ground for the repeal of the Section 2A,” he said.

Before heading to Kamukunji, Mr Odinga added, the Nasa leaders will first attend a prayer rally at Uhuru Park.

Mr Odinga asked those attending the rallies to be peaceful.

“We want to set the stage for a peaceful election and every Monday there will be a prayer for peace between the Saba Saba rally and the August 8 election.