'Mnasema Ruto aende, alafu nini ifanyike?' - Raila defends president

ODM leader Raila Odinga. PHOTO/FILE.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has dismissed calls from some Kenyans to remove President William Ruto from office.

The ODM leader argued that even if such a move were implemented, it would not solve the country's challenges.

Raila, who recently signed a cooperation agreement with Ruto, questioned the logic of pushing out elected leaders like the President, saying such actions could lead to chaos.

“Mnasema Ruto aende, aende alafu nini ifanyike? Gachagua alienda, sasa mnataka Ruto aende, Kindiki abaki pale, alafu pia aende akuje mtu mwingine…” he said.

Kithure Kindiki replaced former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after a successful impeachment process.

Instead, Raila urged Kenyans to focus on working together to address pressing issues, including the high cost of living.

He emphasized that his collaboration with President Ruto is aimed at creating a conducive political climate to help resolve these challenges.

“Kenyans need solutions between now and 2027. The cost of living is unbearable—food prices are high, taxes are excessive, and corruption is rampant. Our 10-point agenda is not a betrayal but a plan to tackle these issues,” Raila said, days after signing a political agreement with the ruling coalition, Kenya Kwanza.

Raila made these remarks on Saturday at the funeral of retired pilot Colonel James Nguyo Gitahi in Maanzoni, Machakos County.

The ODM leader urged Kenyans to set aside political differences and focus on finding practical solutions to their challenges while waiting for the 2027 elections to choose their preferred leaders.

He warned that constant political campaigns were hindering governance and economic progress.

“…There is no need. 2027 will come, but Kenyans’ problems must be addressed now, not later. We cannot campaign for five years straight—this keeps the country in a perpetual state of elections,” he said.

“Wakati wa campaign ukifika, wanaume watajitokeza. Si mlisema Raila ni mzee sana? Si lazima nisimame, si naweza kukaa nyumbani?” he remarked, hinting that he may not run in 2027.

Raila’s remarks come amid growing calls from opposition figures and activists advocating for President Ruto’s removal through the “#RutoMustGo” campaign.