Uphold peace during protests, guard Kenya’s stability – Raila

Former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga has reiterated his call for peaceful expressions of civic rights, urging Kenyans to embrace national unity, reject violence, and respect democratic processes.

Speaking at the funeral of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s father, Gideon Baya Mung’aro Senior, on Wednesday, Odinga stated that while demonstrations are a constitutional right, they must be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

“Maandamano yanastahili kuwa ya amani. Lakini hapa tunaweka fujo, watu wanapigwa, watu wanauawa, hio ndio maana maandamano inaleta shida katika taifa letu,” he said.

In addition to protests, the former Prime Minister lamented the ongoing politicking, which he believes undermines national development and unity.

“Mambo ya 2027 inakuja, lakini tuko 2025. Hatuwezi kufanya kampeini ya siasa mara kwa mara kwa miaka mitano. Tukifanya namna hiyo nchi haiwezi kusonga mbele. Tuweke amani (We are in 2025, and elections are in 2027. We cannot campaign non-stop for five years. If we do that, the country will not move forward. Let us prioritise peace),” he stated.

Regarding calls for the removal of elected leaders outside constitutional processes, Mr. Odinga firmly reminded political actors that leadership changes occur only through elections.

“If an election is over, it is over. We must wait for the next election and campaign then, as is done in other countries,” he said.

“This talk of ‘so-and-so must go’ is misguided. Let us wait for the right time and seek votes. It is not for individuals to remove leaders; it is the people who decide at the ballot,” he added.

While underscoring the importance of national unity, the ODM leader stated that political and ideological differences should not divide the country.

“We all want one Kenya. We may differ politically or ideologically, and that is okay. But when it comes to building the nation, we must come together as one,” said Raila.