Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his
cooperation with President William Ruto, claiming that it was the Head of State who looked for him to help stabilise the country.
Speaking during a funeral service in Kiambu County on
Tuesday, Raila dismissed criticism over his recent deal with Ruto, stating that
he could not stand by and watch Kenyans struggle, especially after losing the
African Union Commission (AUC) seat.
He emphasised that his decision to collaborate with Ruto was
driven by the need to address key national issues, including the controversial
Social Health Authority (SHA) and over-taxation, especially through Housing Levy.
"Some people are making noise, claiming that I have
abandoned them and joined Ruto. But I did not go to Ruto—Ruto came to me,"
Raila said in his first public response to the backlash.
"Since I was born, I have fought for Kenyans’ rights,
and my stand has not changed."
Raila has faced serious criticism from a section of Kenyans
who feel that his decision to sign a framework of
cooperation with Ruto is betrayal.
Raila acknowledged the challenges facing Kenyans but insisted
that real solutions could only be found through dialogue and unity.
"Last year, we raised issues that needed to be
addressed, but they can’t be solved unless leaders come together and
talk," Raila said.
"That is why, when Ruto showed some concern, he came to
me, and I said, 'Let’s sit down and resolve the 10 issues we agreed on.' We
have now given them time to implement these resolutions."
Raila assured that President Ruto has committed to addressing
these concerns, adding, "We have given them a full cycle to implement the
agreed solutions."
The ODM leader dismissed claims that his deal with Ruto was politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that Kenyans will have the final say on leadership when the time comes.
"Before then, we don’t want our people to continue suffering. We must first resolve the issue of SHA, which is not working, and the burden of heavy taxes like the housing levy," he stated.
Defending his decision to engage with Ruto’s government,
Raila maintained that he would rather be part of the solution than remain on
the sidelines.
"You can’t solve problems by sitting back. You need to
place the right people in key positions to ensure solutions are found," he
explained.
"We can’t stand aside while the country struggles—we must work together to fix these issues. In 2027, Kenyans will decide who will lead them."
