Nairobi leaders back Ruto amid political tensions

NAIROBI — In a rare show of unity across political lines, several Nairobi leaders from the opposition ODM party have publicly thrown their support behind President William Ruto, signalling a shift in the capital’s political temperature.

Gathered at a church service in Makadara, elected officials praised the President’s leadership and dismissed critics as “noise” that would not derail the government’s plans.

“Let us not complicate our relationship with President Ruto,” said George Aladwa, the area Member of Parliament and ODM’s Nairobi branch chair. “It’s not just about the broad-based government. We’re looking ahead to a second term.”

Aladwa, once a fierce critic of Ruto, said his support is rooted in what he described as political reciprocity. “We saw how the President stood by Raila Odinga during his AU bid. We owe him our backing, and Nairobi residents are with us,” he added, in reference to the former Prime Minister’s unsuccessful run for African Union Commission Chairperson.

His comments reflect growing signs of political realignment, especially in urban centres like Nairobi, where economic concerns and public services increasingly override traditional party loyalties.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris echoed the sentiment, urging Kenyans to give Ruto space to govern. “For me, the chosen one to lead this country is William Samoei Ruto,” she said. “That’s why we’re in this government. Nairobi will stay with him.”

Passaris’s stance has drawn mixed reactions in the past from ODM’s grassroots supporters. But she has remained firm in her position, often citing the need to prioritise development over party divisions.

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, a vocal supporter of the President, said Ruto’s development record speaks for itself. “I don’t play in the small league,” she said. “I align with a leader whose achievements we’ve seen over the past two and a half years.”

The public show of loyalty comes at a time when the Ruto administration faces criticism over rising living costs, ongoing debates around the Finance Bill, and tensions within the so-called “broad-based” coalition a political arrangement meant to foster cross-party inclusion.

Some opposition figures have accused ODM defectors of abandoning the party’s ideals for political convenience. However, those backing Ruto insist their support is based on performance, not patronage.

“We’re not here to play tribal politics,” said Aladwa. “We’re here to ensure Nairobi develops.”

The President has yet to comment directly on the statements, but his allies have quietly welcomed the endorsements, viewing them as signs of a maturing political landscape.

Whether this unity will hold through the coming budget debates and into the 2027 election cycle remains to be seen. But for now, in the capital, the message is clear: some of Ruto’s former critics are now firmly in his corner.

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