- Raila Odinga urged Kenya to proceed cautiously with their activism against President William Ruto's administration.
- The leader of the ODM indicated that the government's efforts were being disrupted by excessive insurgent activity, thereby impeding effective service delivery.
- He also justified his agreement with Ruto, stating that it was timely to assist him in tackling the critical concerns impacting the populace.
Kai Eli, a journalist at .co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
The head of ODM, Raila Odinga, has reiterated that his collaborative agreement with President William Ruto is aimed at benefiting the nation as a whole rather than serving personal interests.
At a funeral ceremony held in Machakos County on Saturday, March 15, Raila stated that his choice to endorse a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) linking his party with the governing UDA party should not be perceived as treachery. Instead, he framed it as a step aimed at tackling the critical issues confronting ordinary citizens.
Why William Ruto requires additional time
He said his input was needed to address such issues as exploitative tax regimes, high cost of living, and the inefficiencies in the health sector, among others.
Raila stated that excessive activism against the government is wasting valuable time that should be spent on productive activities. He further noted that if the present administration remains preoccupied with political maneuvering and attempts at regime change, by 2027, the nation will likely face an even more challenging situation than it does today.
Raila suggested that those opposing Ruto's administration should bide their time until 2027, when they could employ the electoral process to bring about the political transformation they strongly desire.
The key point is ensuring Kenya stays united. It’s crucial for Kenyans to coexist from now until 2027. Currently, people are struggling due to rising costs of living, high taxation, and increasing corruption. This led us to develop the 10-point agenda Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which isn’t traitorous. So, I ask: What else should we do? If someone demands Ruto leave, what happens next? That wouldn’t solve anything. While 2027 will arrive eventually, these issues troubling Kenyans need immediate attention—there won’t be another suitable moment. Continuous politics without breaks for five years won’t help either. Instead, there needs to be periods dedicated solely to addressing these challenges before returning to campaign mode,” he stated.
Why did Raila Odinga choose to collaborate with Ruto?
Recently, Raila has faced criticism from certain segments of the population due to his choice to form an alliance with Ruto.
Nevertheless, in his defense, the seasoned politician contended that numerous issues facing the nation require a collective approach – irrespective of political leanings – to resolve them.
He mentioned that he needed to join the team to assist Ruto fulfill his commitments and address the chronic issues that Kenyans have been facing under various administrations.
Raila stated that the Memorandum of Understanding with Ruto does not revolve around personal gains since he has no intentions of contesting in the upcoming elections.
The agreement outlined key sectors where both sides agreed to collaborate, such as enhancing decentralization, eradicating corruption, providing reparations for those affected by police violence, and ensuring equitable allocation of resources throughout the nation.
