Former Runyenjes MP Kathangu defends Raila’s proposal on Saba Saba
By Luke Oluoch, July 7, 2025Former Runyenjes Member of Parliament Njeru Kathaungu has defended Raila Odinga over his proposal to honour Saba Saba protest heroes at the Kamukunji Grounds.
Njeru, who was instrumental in organising the rally leading to his incarceration by the regime 35 years ago alongside the likes of George Anyona and Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, says the ODM politician is right to mark the day in his own way.
“Raila is right to go there. Kamukunji is a sacred and central ground for politicians and the push for multipartyism,” he stated.
Honour lost souls
“I would tell him, go there and remember the souls lost on that ground and those lost on Saba Saba in 1990,” he advised the ODM leader.
He has, however, impugned Raila’s motive, stating that he was not part of the group that announced it.
“I am not sure he is going to celebrate Saba Saba. He was not part of the group that announced the Saba Saba, he came in after, and also the people then were arrested on the fourth day. What happened on Saba Saba, the seventh day, they did not know as they were detainees,” he said.
His sentiments come after Kipruto Arap Kirwa slammed the ODM leader over his proposal to honour the Saba Saba heroes.
Speaking to a local TV station On Monday, July 7, 2025, Kirwa accused Raila of engaging in double-speak and attempting to play catch-up after realising the youth have gone past his leadership.
“Why does Raila have to get into this situation? He knows that young people have been doing it on their own; they don’t need him. He is playing double and being ambivalent in his stance. He is only trying to play catch-up,” he stated.
“He is not the Raila we knew; he was not even clear on what he would be doing to Kamukumji. How about the people killed and the women clamouring for the release of Kenyans and their children from detention?” he posed.
Kirwa further castigated Raila for attempting to run away from his association with President Ruto after sensing the displeasure of Kenyans with the current regime.
“In leadership, sometimes you realise the people are ahead of you. Maybe he wants to run away from the regime and destroy our side. He knows Ruto has no support, and he also wants to shift and pretend to be part of the revolution,” he concluded.