Raila defends deal with Ruto, asserts people should shake hands after elections

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has defended his decision to politically cooperate with President William Ruto, emphasizing that post-election reconciliations are essential for national unity.

He stated that after elections, it is crucial for leaders to “shake hands” to foster peace and stability, underscoring his commitment to reconciliation regardless of electoral outcomes.

“We can compete very fiercely, but at the end of it all, people must shake hands and life must continue. That is how democracies are built,” said Raila.

Speaking during the burial of slain Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, Raila reiterated that elections are simply a competition and do not equate to enmity.

“We must institutionalize democratic practice in our country, where people tolerate each other, compete peacefully, and at the end of it all, shake hands so the country can move on,” he added.

Odinga expressed his willingness to engage in such gestures for the sake of Kenya’s progress and harmony, citing Somalia as an example of instability since the overthrow of its legitimate government in 1991.

“To this day, there has never been peace in Somalia. Al-Shabaab and other gangs roam freely, and people are dying day and night,” he said.

“Yes, our elections have not been perfect, but Kenya is much more important than individuals. If we break Kenya, there will be no other Kenya tomorrow,” explained Raila.

Raila also appeared to urge outspoken lawmakers within his party, ODM, to tone down their criticism of the deal with the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance.

“When Edwin Sifuna speaks, he speaks on behalf of the ODM party. But Mr. Sifuna saa ingine hapana kuwa chungu sana. We have an arrangement with Kenya Kwanza and we put it in black and white. There is a 10-point agenda in the MoU we signed, and we want that to be fully implemented,” he said.

His sentiments were supported by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetangula. According to Wetangula, Raila’s decision to join forces with the head of state should be endorsed by all.

“Our leaders, President William Ruto and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, didn’t come together for a joke. Hata ukienda msituni utaona mafahali ya buffaloes wakitembea pamoja. Sometimes they don’t like each other, but it’s important we be together,” said the Speaker.

“Mheshimiwa Raila Odinga, you have our full support. And we will engage in constructive and positive manner because we have no spare country. And when this country goes astray like in 2007, we saw the consequences,” Wetangula explained.

The Speaker insisted that, as one of the most experienced politicians in the country, Raila has a deeper understanding of the situation than most, and his decisions should be viewed from that perspective.

“Our young politicians, tuliza boli. Ukiona wazee wanafanya maneno, sometimes they see things better with a rich experience,” he remarked.