Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has broken his silence, issuing a strong demand for the government to take immediate action against police officers responsible for injuring anti-government protesters during the demonstrations in June and July 2024. His call comes amid increasing political tension in Kenya, as rumors of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s potential impeachment circulate.
Speaking at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee (NEC) presser held in Mombasa, Odinga criticized President William Ruto’s administration for failing to hold the rogue officers accountable.
These officers allegedly killed several Kenyans and left others injured during the protests, which were organized against the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024. According to Odinga, the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right to assemble and picket, but were met with police brutality instead of protection.
“We witnessed innocent Kenyans killed by officers who were deployed to manage peaceful protesters. People were shot, maimed, and brutalized. We must condemn such acts, and we demand justice for the victims,” Odinga stated during his address. He urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Odinga emphasized that Kenya cannot move forward without addressing the grave injustices committed by some members of the security forces. He pointed out that while the protests were held to demand economic justice, they ended in violence that claimed the lives of innocent citizens.
“This year, our youths came out in large numbers to demand their rights, but instead of being heard, they were attacked. We must hold those responsible accountable and ensure this never happens again,” Odinga said.
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The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reported that over 59 people were killed during the protests, with more than 400 others injured. Despite these alarming statistics, Odinga criticized the Ruto administration for not taking any concrete steps to address the situation, leading to increasing public outcry.
Odinga’s comments come at a time when rumors of Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment are gaining traction in political circles. Although Odinga did not directly mention the issue, his remarks on justice and accountability align with the broader concerns about the government’s leadership and ability to handle internal issues.
Gachagua has been facing growing opposition from some factions within the government, who accuse him of causing divisions and undermining President Ruto’s leadership. The impeachment rumors suggest that some political figures are pushing for Gachagua’s removal as part of a broader plan to reconfigure the government ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Odinga’s silence on Gachagua’s impeachment may suggest a strategic move as he focuses on demanding justice for the injured protesters while monitoring the evolving political dynamics.
During the NEC meeting, Raila Odinga also announced several key appointments within the ODM party. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was ratified as the acting party leader, while Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir were appointed as deputy party leaders. Odinga praised the party for being the only one in Kenya that complies fully with political laws, pointing out that other parties were not operating within the legal framework.
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Additionally, Odinga urged ODM members to prepare for grassroots elections scheduled for next month. He stressed the importance of conducting the elections peacefully, stating, “We must ensure that our elections are peaceful and orderly. The party is bigger than any individual.”
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