Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has disclosed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s hand in engaging President William Ruto over anti-government protests.
Speaking in Elgeyo Marakwet during the burial of Mzee Chirchir Masit, former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Irene Masit’s father, Raila, revealed that Uhuru reached out to him and requested him to engage President Ruto over the protests.
However, Raila told the mourners and other leaders present during the burial on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, that President Ruto reached out first, seeking advice on how to deal with the protests.
“Sasa sa ile nchi inachomeka, Uhuru ndio alinipigia mimi simu. Uhuru akaniambia tafuta bwana Ruto tuongee na yeye. Kenya Ikichomeka hatutakuwa na nchi ingine (When the country was burning, former President Uhuru Kenyatta called me and asked me to reach out to President Ruto to find a solution to the issues being raised by Gen Zs).
“William ndio akanitafuta na mimi nikaongea na yeye wazi. Niliongea na Ruto nikamwambia shida iko hapa (William reached out first and we discussed everything openly. We talked and I told him my thoughts and how to deal with the situation,” Raila insisted.
However, Raila did not explain if Uhuru played any role in the now formed broad-based government.
Denies coalition agreement
At the same time, Raila used the platform to denounce claims that he entered into a coalition agreement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Raila told the Elgeyo-Marakwet residents that he extended an olive branch to the current regime to address the issues that were raised during the anti-government protests.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader further disclosed that Ruto requested him to identify competent individuals from the opposition side who could serve in his broad-based government.
“I am not in government. We never agreed with Ruto that we should have a coalition government. He requested that I help him identify p****e from my side to serve in his administration. I did exactly that. I am confident we shall move forward as a nation,” Raila reiterated.
Raila’s vow
Nonetheless, Raila Odinga vowed to continue championing for a better Kenya even if he succeeds in his bid to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
“I have shown interest in the AUC chairperson’s job, but I will not be settled down there in Adis Ababa when my home country is in turmoil. It is my responsibility to help stabilise the country for posterity,” Raila insisted.
His AUC bid is sponsored by President Ruto’s administration, which is playing a c******l role in convincing other Heads of State to throw their weight behind Raila’s candidacy.