“Ruto goes, then what?”: Raila Odinga Cautions Against Calls for President’s Resignation
In Summary:
1) Raila Odinga opposes the push for President William Ruto’s resignation, warning of potential consequences.
2) Odinga supports dialogue to address the current crisis, emphasizing the need to save Kenya rather than individuals.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga has spoken out against the growing calls for President William Ruto’s resignation.
During an ODM Party Parliamentary Group Meeting on July 17, Odinga expressed concern about the potential ramifications of such a move.
In a stark warning, Odinga questioned the aftermath of Ruto’s potential departure: “Ruto goes, then what? Ruto may go then Gachagua takes over [to continue] implementing bad policies. Ruto can also say ‘I am tired, let the [military] generals take over. Then the country begins to go through what Egypt went through after Taharir Square. ‘Ruto must go’ cannot be an end.”
Odinga argued that Ruto’s resignation could lead to unintended consequences, such as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua taking power and continuing to implement controversial policies.
He also raised the possibility of military intervention, drawing parallels to Egypt’s experience after the Tahrir Square protests.
Instead of pushing for Ruto’s removal, Odinga endorsed the President’s call for dialogue.
He emphasized, “It’s at times of crisis like this that a country needs to talk. We are not doing it to save Ruto. We are doing it to save Kenya. Generals don’t have teargas. They don’t have water cannons. They have bullets.”
This statement underscores Odinga’s belief that such consultations are crucial during times of crisis and are aimed at benefiting the country as a whole, not just individual political figures.
The ODM leader’s stance highlights a growing divide within the opposition, particularly the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
Some factions within the coalition appear to be aligning with Deputy President Gachagua, potentially in preparation for the 2027 elections, which could isolate Odinga.
Tensions within the coalition were evident during a recent ODM Parliamentary Group meeting where Wiper Democratic Movement party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was forcibly removed while presenting resolutions against joining the government.
This incident occurred after Odinga had left the meeting, further underscoring the internal conflicts within the opposition alliance.