Opposition in Turmoil as Raila Stands Firm Against Ruto's Resignation
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has taken a stance against calls for President William Ruto's resignation, despite growing pressure and internal dissent.
Addressing members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Parliamentary Group on Wednesday, Odinga argued that ousting Ruto would merely allow Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to perpetuate harmful policies. He cautions that removing Ruto without a comprehensive plan could lead to chaos reminiscent of Egypt's post-Tahrir Square turmoil. Odinga emphasizes the importance of dialogue during crises and the need to prioritize Kenya's welfare over Ruto's political fate. This firm position from Odinga has highlighted deepening divisions within the opposition and the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
“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 Tahrir Square. ‘Ruto must go’ cannot be an end,” Odinga said.
Tensions were evident during yesterday's ODM meeting when Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper Democratic Movement faced interruptions from disruptive youths while presenting resolutions against joining the government. Notably absent were key ODM figures such as Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Edwin Sifuna, and Junet Mohamed, indicating internal disagreements. Former Governor Hassan Joho has expressed strong support for engaging with President Ruto and criticizes Musyoka's stance. ODM National Chairman John Mbadi has also denounced the perceived dishonesty of their Azimio partners.
“We must identify what works for us as ODM. We are the bigger party in Azimio and we cannot be bullied,” Joho declared.
President William Ruto's announcement of a six-day dialogue forum starting July 15 has further exacerbated internal disagreements within Azimio. Speaking at the KICC in Nairobi on July 9, Ruto outlined plans for the forum to gather representatives from various sectors to discuss pressing national issues. In a move towards financial prudence, Ruto stated that participants would cover their own attendance expenses. He instructed stakeholders to nominate their representatives by the end of that week, emphasizing that the forum's goal was to propose a path forward for the nation. However, the forum's delayed commencement has led to further divisions within the opposition.
The announcement has caused disarray among Azimio la Umoja factions with conflicting views on their participation in the dialogue. This development, coupled with Ruto's approval of the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has intensified the political landscape's complexity. Meanwhile, Odinga has extended his apologies to journalists and leaders who were forcibly removed by unruly youths during the coalition event in Nairobi yesterday. Mr Odinga's spokesperson Dennis Onyango has released a statement describing the event as regrettable. He explains that after extensive deliberations on national developments and the opposition's stance, a group of youths, some familiar to the parties and many unknown, invaded the venue and ejected participants.
Onyango emphasizes that the location had previously hosted significant events during crucial national moments without such unpleasant occurrences. The Political Journalists' Association of Kenya (PJAK) through its chairman Rawlings Otieno had demanded an apology on behalf of the journalists, some of whom sustained injuries during the chaos.