ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa has confirmed that Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will address people at Kamukunji ground son Monday afternoon.

Speaking during a press briefing at Kamukunji, Aladwa said the country continues to suffer from many of the same issues that triggered the original pro-democracy movement, including poor governance, inequality, and repression.

He said the event would serve as a reminder that the struggle for justice and accountability is not over.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga had on Sunday called on Kenyans to show up in large numbers, saying the spirit of Saba Saba must be revived as the country faces rising police violence, human rights violations, and worsening economic conditions.

“We have not achieved what Saba Saba intended,” said Raila. “Violation of human rights is still a challenge in the country, police brutality is there, and the economy has not performed as we expected.”

Raila on Sunday confirmed he would personally attend the rally at Kamukunji, the same venue where pro-reform activists assembled in 1990 to demand an end to the one-party regime. That protest helped open the path to multiparty democracy and major constitutional reforms.

“Saba Saba was not just a protest it was the birth of a democratic vision. We must continue to demand justice and good governance,” Raila added. “I will be attending to remember those who were killed in that struggle.”

This year’s commemoration comes at a tense moment nationally, as Gen Z-led protests that began with opposition to the Finance Bill have widened to call for greater reforms and an end to police violence and enforced disappearances.

In anticipation of unrest, many urban schools remained closed on Monday, with parents and school heads expressing concern over safety. Past protests have seen episodes of looting, disruption and violent confrontations between protesters and police.

From early morning, security forces set up roadblocks on key roads into Nairobi’s city centre, inspecting both public and private vehicles. Authorities feared that demonstrators might attempt to sneak into the CBD disguised as commuters and stage surprise protests.

Despite the government declaring July 7 a normal working day, the heavy police deployment and business closures painted a different picture.

Raila’s rally call and Aladwa’s confirmation have reignited national conversations around the legacy of Saba Saba and whether the democracy it promised has truly been delivered. For many, especially the youth, the day remains not just a commemoration—but a rallying cry for unfinished work.