Temperatures in Kenya’s political landscape continue to rise. President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are still engaging in bitter exchange of words over anti-government protests. The escalating tensions between the two prominent, leaders have raised concerns about further violence and instability in the country. As both sides dig in their heels, Kenyans are left wondering about the future of their nation and the implications of this political showdown.
Camp Ruto
In a recent address in Nakuru County, President Ruto fired a direct warning at his predecessor, President Uhuru Kenyatta. Ruto accused Kenyatta of secretly funding Raila Odinga’s anti-government protests. The President alleged that the protests, which have turned violent and led to multiple deaths, are being fueled by Kenyatta’s support. Ruto cautioned Odinga against proceeding with his planned demonstrations. The former Deputy President threatened to unleash the full force of the country’s security and legal system if further bloodshed occurs.
“Nataka nimwambie rafiki yangu Uhuru, ata wewe wachana na huyu mzee (Odinga), wacha kumpatia pesa ya kununua watu wa Mungiki wachome Nairobi. Wewe umekuwa rais, kuwa mungwana, tulikuunga mkono wakati ulikuwa rais wetu, uliunga mtu wa kitendawili mkono tukamwangusha, wachana na yeye.
Usipowachana na yeye, ata wewe tutakusafirisha na huyo kitendawili wako. Uhuru Kenyatta tulimsaidia akiwa Rais, sasa anapanga kuchoma Nairobi, imemkosea nini?”
President William Ruto
Ruto vowed to deal with Odinga politically and ensure that he retires to his home in Bondo. He also warned that, should Kenyatta continue to fund Odinga’s protests, he too will face consequences and be retired from the political scene.
“Walifanya maandamano Ijumaa iliyopita watu saba wakakufa; wamefanya maandamano juzi watu nane wakakufa. Mliona vile mali iliharibika Nairobi na vile vijana wamelipwa wafanye fujo? Mnataka tuendelee na hii maandamano?
Maandamano haiwezi kufanyika tena katika taifa letu la Kenya. Hiyo wanasema Wednesday, hiyo maandamano haiwezekani. Huyo mtu wa Kitendawili, alileta fujo, alileta mapinduzi watu wakakufa kule nyuma.”
President William Ruto
Read Also:
President Ruto Calls for Bold Leadership in Shaping Kenya’s Future
Raila Accuses Kenya Kwanza of Schemes to Cement Ruto’s Grip on Power
Camp Raila
In response to Ruto’s accusations, Raila Odinga, accused President Ruto’s administration of hideous acts. The opposition leader claimed that, the current regime is planning to deploying a trained illegal killer squad, to harm opposition leaders. The squad, known as Operation Support Unit (OSU), is allegedly Ruto’s disguised gang of police officers. Odinga claims Ruto plans to hire them to commit excesses against Azimio leaders and their supporters.
“This time round, it is not just the official security officers that are being unleashed on Kenyans. Kenya Kwanza has embedded a trained killer squad in the name of Operation Support Unit into the official security agencies and unleashed it on Kenyans.
OSU, now under a Mr Kariuki, was disbanded a few years ago and its members sent home. The squad is back. Last Wednesday, OSU was in action in Kamkunji, Jogoo Road and Mlolongo, firing at protesters and killing some.”
Opposition leader, Raila Odinga
Azimio One Kenya leader blamed OSU for the deaths witnessed in recent protests. Stating that the squad’s main objective is to harm and execute Azimio leaders, he alleged that Ruto is counting on this squad to carry out his threats to. Odinga highlighted the historical struggles for democracy in Kenya. In addition, he affirmed his determination not to be intimidated by threats to stop the anti-government protests
“Kenyans have never lost a liberation struggle. We get beaten, arrested and killed but we never lose.
We shall not lose the one currently under way. Police killings during protests have happened in the past. Almost always, those shot are innocent Kenyans not involved in demonstrations. These killings are meant to spread fear among Kenyans so that they succumb to the excesses of the regime.”
Opposition leader, Raila Odinga
Camp Hustlers
The escalating tensions between Ruto and Odinga pose a risk to Kenya’s political stability. The cold war between the two leaders have deepened divisions within the country and heightened fears of further violence.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more content
Amidst the heated political atmosphere, there is a growing concern for the well-being of ordinary Kenyans. The recent deaths and destruction of property during protests have taken a toll on the nation. The government’s responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint, engage in meaningful discussions, and seek peaceful resolutions. to avoid further violence and instability in Kenya.
