
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga delivered a scathing rebuke today against ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of exploiting Saba Saba Day for political grandstanding. Odinga’s remarks, branded as strong and direct, suggest deep fissures within Kenya Kwanza as the nation marks the historic pro-democracy anniversary.
“Usurping the Saba Saba Legacy”
On the anniversary of the 1990 pro-democracy protests, Odinga sharply criticised Gachagua for positioning himself as the “liberator” of Kenya, despite lacking direct ties to the original Saba Saba Movement. He questioned the latter’s authenticity and commitment to democratic values by branding him a “fake liberator” during his address to media today.
Denouncing the stunt as politically opportunistic, Odinga highlighted that while the spirit of Saba Saba endures, it cannot be commandeered by rivals seeking public attention. He stressed that commemorating the day should honor its legacy, not serve as a stage for empty rhetoric.
Deepening Political Divides

Odinga’s remarks are seen as a calculated strike at Kenya Kwanza’s internal dynamics. By publicly challenging Gachagua’s claim to the Saba Saba mantle, he appears to be setting a clear ideological boundary—even as both leaders hail from the same coalition.
Political analysts view this confrontation as part of an intensifying battle for narrative control. With national tensions already heightened by Saba Saba protests, the timing suggests Odinga is preemptively undermining any attempt by opposition figures to claim moral high ground.
Broader Implications for Kenya Kwanza
The implication of the public rebuke goes beyond ceremonial posturing. Odinga’s critique surfaces at a pivotal moment, where unity within Kenya Kwanza is critical to face growing public dissatisfaction over economic woes and governance concerns.
Observers caution that continued clashes over symbolic issues may weaken the government’s cohesion and distract from accountability on pressing issues like cost of living and civil liberties.
What to Watch
- Gachagua’s Response: Will he defend his stance or clarify his position on Saba Saba’s legacy?
- Coalition Dynamics: Could this dispute signal deeper factional divides within Kenya Kwanza?
- Opposition Exploitation: Will Raila’s posture rally National Rainbow Coalition leaders who emphasize democratic reform and human rights?
In conclusion, Raila Odinga’s declaration of Gachagua as a “fake liberator” marks a rare and pointed internal confrontation — underscoring the high-stakes politics playing out long after the dust of Saba Saba Day settles. With public sentiment on edge and coalition cracks widening, Kenya finds itself at a delicate moment of political reflection.