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Opposition leader Raila Odinga has defended his decision to enter into a broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto, saying it was the best course of action to safeguard Kenya’s stability.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of Phoebe Asiyo in Karachuonyo on Friday, Raila dismissed critics who have claimed he betrayed opposition ideals, insisting that the political alliance was necessary given the circumstances at the time.
“We were forced into this because of the situation that was there. I do not regret what we did. We did it in the best interest of our country, and Kenya must move on,” Raila said.
The ODM leader argued that Kenya was on the brink of descending into chaos similar to other nations that have experienced political collapse.
“There was a very big probability of Kenya deteriorating into a failed state,” he said.
“People who do not understand history talk very easily. Tell them what happened in Libya and Egypt. Why do we have a military regime in Egypt today?.”
Raila said some critics were trivialising what he described as a serious national crisis that called for pragmatic decisions rather than political grandstanding.
“They tried to trivialise a very serious situation. People do not understand, and that’s why they write things in newspaper articles. I just read and laugh,” he said.
He further drew parallels with North African nations where political upheavals led to prolonged instability, warning that such a fate could have befallen Kenya if decisive action had not been taken.
“Look at Libya. Look at Egypt. Even Tunisia. Those countries went through upheavals that many thought would bring freedom, but the outcome has been years of instability or authoritarian rule,” he said.
Raila also underscored the need for the coalition government to prioritise human rights and the welfare of ordinary Kenyans.
“Issues of human rights must be respected, and we must ensure that people live well and that they have food,” he said.
The broad-based government deal between President Ruto and Raila Odinga’s camp was formed amid heightened political tensions and public protests over the high cost of living.
While supporters hail it as a move that averted bloodshed and economic collapse, critics argue it has diluted opposition oversight and weakened democratic accountability.
Raila, however, maintained that history would vindicate the decision.
“We did what was necessary at that moment. The most important thing is that Kenya remains united and stable,” he said.
