In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview on NTV Tonight, ODM Party Leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has spoken out candidly about his role in Kenya’s recent political turbulence—revealing how he came to speak with President William Ruto, why he kept away from the Gen Z protests, and his call for grassroots-led national dialogue to steer the country away from collapse.
Protests, NADCO Report and the Gen Z Uprising
Odinga linked the 2023 Azimio-led anti-government demonstrations to the 2024 Gen Z movement, noting that both raised similar demands around governance, justice, and economic inclusion.
Read: Saba Saba Chaos: 11 Killed, 567 Arrested as Protests Turn Deadly — Police Reveal
“In 2023, there was a very violent reaction to our demonstrations and we lost about 70 people,” he said. “The international community intervened, and a dialogue with President Ruto led to the NADCO report.”
He said the government’s failure to implement the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report is what triggered the Gen Z protests.
“Had that report been implemented, we would not have had the Gen Z protests. The issues they raised were the same ones we raised—only this time they stormed Parliament and Judiciary and were heading to State House before being stopped.”
Why Raila Stayed Away From the Streets
Odinga said he respected the wishes of youth protesters who asked him not to join their demonstrations in 2024.
“In 2024, the youth asked me to stay home, and I did. They went further than we had ever gone.”
He warned that Kenya was on the verge of military intervention at the peak of the unrest.
“There was a real danger that the military could take over. We were on the brink of anarchy.”
Uhuru’s Call, Ruto’s Visit and a Turning Point
Odinga revealed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta, speaking from the United States, urged him to engage President Ruto despite past political tensions.
“Uhuru told me: ‘You may not want to talk to Ruto, but in the interest of the country, you must.’ I didn’t reach out—Ruto came to see me.”
During the meeting, Odinga said he told the president that public anger stemmed from the failure to implement the NADCO report.
“We needed a broader national conversation. He was reluctant, but he agreed. Unfortunately, the youth rejected the dialogue as a waste of time.”
Internal Divisions in ODM and Entry Into Government
The former prime minister admitted that there was resistance within the Azimio coalition to joining a broad-based government, including from himself.
“I was against it. So were many of my Azimio colleagues. But a faction within ODM felt we had to go in and steady the ship to avoid total collapse.”
He clarified that ODM’s involvement in government does not mean a political alliance with Ruto’s UDA party.
“We’re in government until 2027, but we haven’t said we’ll work with UDA beyond that.”
He also dismissed rumours of a 2027 joint ticket between himself, Ruto, and Kalonzo Musyoka.
“That’s rubbish—not true at all. I haven’t asked Kalonzo or Ruto. Those discussions are for another time.”
Raila on Justice, Compensation and Human Rights
Odinga said the ODM party has remained firm in opposing human rights violations and emphasized that justice for victims of police brutality must be delivered.
“I’ve openly criticized the government over human rights violations. Victims of police brutality must be compensated—and that process is about to start through the Contingency Fund.”
He revealed that ODM’s National Executive Committee recently convened to discuss rising cases of extrajudicial killings and abductions.
“If the line is crossed, we will take action. I won’t go into details, but we’re firm on this.”
Grassroots Conclave and Dialogue From Below
Odinga proposed a bottom-up national conversation model, starting from polling stations and moving up to a National Conclave.
“Let’s stop focusing on Ruto, Raila, Kalonzo, or Gachagua. Let’s talk about issues—not personalities.”
He warned that rejecting dialogue could push the country further into crisis.
“If you say no to dialogue, then what’s the alternative? We’ve still got two years before the next election—these issues won’t disappear. How many more people are we willing to lose?”
On 2027 and the Future of ODM
Odinga said it is too early to discuss whether he will run for president in 2027, and noted that his focus remains on strengthening ODM as a political party.
“I haven’t said I’ll run. I may support someone else. Right now, I’m focused on strengthening ODM.”
He also downplayed recent comments by ODM members endorsing President Ruto.
“Those are individual positions—they’re free to say what they want. But that’s not a party position.”
Although he speaks regularly with Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, he said no official 2027 decisions have been made.
Raila on the Uhuru Era: “I Got Nothing”
Odinga pushed back against claims that he was a co-president during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s second term.
“How was I a co-president? I didn’t get anybody appointed. None of my people were appointed into Uhuru’s government. What did I get? I got nothing.”
Final Word: “Let’s Talk About Kenya”
In his closing message, Odinga called on all Kenyans to rise above political rivalry and focus on national healing through inclusive dialogue.
“We don’t want anarchy. People must talk. Let’s stop talking about individuals. Let’s talk about Kenya”
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