'Mnasema aende, then what?' Raila defends President Ruto

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has downplayed calls to oust President William Ruto and the current government.

Speaking during the funeral of veteran retired pilot Colonel James Nguyo Gitahi in Maanzoni, Machakos County, on Saturday, Odinga went bare-knuckle against those opposed to his partnership with President Ruto under the broad-based government.

He told off critics under the ‘Ruto must go’ narrative, asserting that removing President Ruto or the current government would not address the current issues affecting Kenyans.

According to the opposition leader, Kenyans are grappling with the high cost of living and removing President Ruto would plunge the country into an endless political whirlwind and create more problems.

“Kenyans need to live between now and 2027. The cost of living is too high for Kenyans; people are suffering because food prices are high, taxes are too high, and corruption has increased. The 10-point agenda is not a betrayal to Kenyans,” said Odinga.

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

Citing the fight for democracy and multipartism in the country, the ODM Chief instead urged leaders and citizens to shun politicking and sit still until 2027, when they could elect the leaders of their choice.

He underscored that constant politicking witnessed countrywide was derailing the government’s development.

“…There is no need, 2027 will come lakini shida za wakenya lazima zitatuliwe sasa sio siku ingine. We cannot campaign for all the five years…the country cannot move forward, sababu kelele ni nyingi zaidi tumeiweka nchi katika hali ya campaign,” said Odinga.

“Wakati wa campaign ukifika, wanaume watajitokeza. Si mlisema Raila ni mzee sana, si lazima nisimame, si naweza kukaa nyumbani?”

The sentiments by Odinga come amidst calls from other opposition and government critics for the removal of President Ruto under the viral hashtag, #RutoMustGo.