Opposition leader Raila Odinga has explained his absence from this year’s Saba Saba Day gathering at Kamukunji Grounds, saying roadblocks across Nairobi made access to the venue nearly impossible.

Addressing the media at Serena Hotel on Monday, the ODM leader said roadblocks made it impossible for him to reach the grounds

“I was going to go to Kamukunji and join Kenyans in commemorating this important day. Unfortunately, as you all know, circumstances today, the roadblocks all over town which made it difficult for people to make it to Kamukunji,” he said.

Despite being unable to attend physically, Odinga used the moment to underline the ongoing importance of the Saba Saba movement, saying its spirit must remain grounded in inclusivity, good governance, and the protection of constitutional freedoms.

He warned that the day’s meaning was at risk of being lost, raising concern over attempts to turn the commemoration into a chaotic or politically opportunistic affair.

“Thirty-five years later, we must reflect are we embracing the freedom we fought for, or are we turning Saba Saba into a symbol of disruption?” he posed.

Speaking a day before the commemoration, Odinga had called on Kenyans to gather at Kamukunji in honour of the 1990 pro-democracy movement. He stressed that the same injustices that sparked the historic protests—police brutality, economic inequality, and abuse of rights—remain unresolved.

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

In a raft of proposals, the ODM leader called for the creation of a national intergenerational conclave that would bring together Kenyans from all walks of life to outline reforms and a shared direction for the country.

He said the forum should be tasked with proposing irreversible changes to strengthen democracy and drive long-term social and political progress.

Odinga also underscored the need for urgent and comprehensive police reforms. He said the police service must rebuild trust and move away from fear-driven enforcement.

“The police must serve the people, not suppress them. They should be protectors, not oppressors,” he said.

He added that the proposed national dialogue should also be used to develop clear systems for promoting transparency, fighting impunity, and holding public leaders accountable, especially in cases of corruption.

On youth employment, Odinga called for an inclusive and lasting strategy to create job opportunities in both formal and informal sectors.

“This country must become one where young people have hope, where they see a future, and where leadership is not just symbolic—but accountable,” he said.

He insisted that the proposed national conclave must be guided by clear terms of reference and be led by credible and sober-minded individuals.

Odinga concluded by proposing that the outcome of the national dialogue should be presented to the people through a referendum, giving Kenyans the final say on the country’s future direction.