In recent events, former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has openly accused President William Ruto of undermining Kenya's multi-party democracy. Odinga claims that Ruto is orchestrating an illegal takeover of the Jubilee Party to secure a supermajority in Parliament, potentially paving the way for constitutional amendments, including the removal of presidential term limits.
Addressing a Jubilee National Delegates Convention, Odinga drew parallels between Ruto's actions and historical events that led to Kenya becoming a de facto one-party state in 1969 and later a de jure one-party state in 1982. He warned that the current administration's efforts to dissolve alternative political organizations could be the initial steps toward a full-blown dictatorship, suppressing public participation in national affairs.
Odinga also criticized Ruto's involvement in county-level projects, asserting that the president is overstepping by launching initiatives that fall under the jurisdiction of county governments. He argued that functions like affordable housing and agricultural programs are devolved and should be managed by local authorities, not the national government.
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Furthermore, Odinga accused Ruto of betraying his political allies, specifically Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang'ula, by sidelining them in government appointments. He claimed that the current administration promotes ethnicity, favoring certain tribes over others, which undermines national unity.
In response to critics of his recent political alignment with President Ruto, Odinga clarified that it was Ruto who approached him for cooperation under the broad-based government initiative, not the other way around. He emphasized his lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights and welfare of Kenyans, stating that his stance has not changed.
These developments highlight the escalating political tensions in Kenya, with Odinga positioning himself as a defender of democracy and devolution, while criticizing the president's actions as detrimental to the country's democratic fabric.
