Ruto Responds to Raila Over Jalang’o’s Statehouse Visit

President William Ruto fired back at the leader of the Azimio party, Raila Odinga, who had recently demanded that members of the coalition party receive his blessing before meeting with the president. During a speech in Nakuru County on February 13, Ruto emphasized that leaders do not need anyone's permission to meet with him.

He rebuked Odinga for attempting to assert control over leaders who were elected by the public, while Odinga himself was not elected. Ruto stated, "Leaders do not require permission from anyone to work together; if there is any permission needed, it should come from the voters." He went on to explain that after being elected, leaders have the permission to collaborate with others in order to improve the lives of citizens and make a better nation.

Ruto's comments came amidst criticism from the Azimio party, due to a group of ODM leaders meeting with Ruto at State House in Nairobi. Odinga labeled these leaders as traitors and demanded they leave the party.

The president warned Odinga against perpetuating negative political strategies that divide the nation along party lines. He deemed such behavior regressive and stated, "Those who were not elected should wait until 2027 and let those in office work."

Ruto also mentioned that he was forced to continue with the affordable housing project, which was meant to be completed during the term of his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, but was delayed due to interference from Odinga.

Aside from the nine ODM lawmakers, a group of Jubilee leaders, including Kanini Kega and Sabina Chege, expressed their support for President Ruto after a breakfast meeting at State House. However, the Jubilee party's Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, recently called for Chege to be stripped of her leadership role and for Kega and Fatuma Dullo to resign from their positions as they are tied to the former ruling party.