• “We cannot allow the noble cause of liberation to be hijacked by characters seeking personal gain under the guise of national interest,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has proposed the formation of an all-inclusive national dialogue that he says should ultimately lead to a referendum.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on July 7, 2025 during the anniversary of the historic Saba Saba movement, Odinga has outlined a five-point reform agenda aimed at steering the country toward justice, accountability, and generational renewal.

Raila gave a passionate account of the significance of Saba Saba, warning that the original intent of the 1990 pro-democracy protests is being distorted by individuals pursuing selfish political interests.

“We cannot allow the noble cause of liberation to be hijacked by characters seeking personal gain under the guise of national interest,” he said.

Key Proposals by Raila Odinga:

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1. Intergenerational National Conclave: Odinga has proposed the convening of a broad-based, intergenerational dialogue bringing together political leaders, civil society, youth representatives, and other key stakeholders.

2. Urgent Police Reforms: He has called for immediate and comprehensive reforms in the police service to address concerns of brutality, excesses during public protests, and long-standing issues of accountability.

3. New Accountability Frameworks for Leadership: The former Prime Minister has advocated for the development of better and sustainable mechanisms to hold elected and public officials accountable to the people.

4. Tackling Youth Unemployment: Odinga has demanded a countrywide strategy to confront the growing youth unemployment crisis, saying it was time to shift from token interventions to transformative policies.

5. Referendum-bound Outcomes: He has emphasized that the outcome of the proposed national dialogue must be anchored on clear terms of reference, and any resolutions from the conclave should be subjected to a public referendum.

The press conference comes against the backdrop of nationwide Saba Saba protests, with demonstrations held in various towns calling for political and economic reforms.

Odinga’s proposals are expected to stir national debate, especially amid growing discontent among young Kenyans who have taken to the streets demanding greater government responsiveness and accountability.

Komen S.K is a student at Kabarak University pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication.