Following the increased cases of abductions in the country, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has issued a demand to President William Ruto.
In a new twist of events since the formation of the broad-based government, Odinga has broken his silence to criticize the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza administration. He has challenged the government to uphold truthfulness and called for compensation of victims injured during the anti-government protests.
Speaking during the burial of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Chairperson Roseline Adhiambo Odede on Saturday, Odinga demanded an end to the ongoing cases of abductions, emphasizing that his 'newfound ally', President Ruto, had pledged to address the issue.
"I said before closing the year that abductions must come to an end. If Ruto said it would end, then it should end. We should stop arresting these children," Odinga ascertained.
He went on to question why no one had been arrested in connection to the abductions.
Poking holes into the Police Inspector General (IG), Douglas Kanja, Odinga questioned why Kanja says he doesn't know who is behind the abductions yet during the disappearances abductees are handcuffed.
"Handcuffs are not items that can just be bought from the shop. It is only the police with them. Who are those with handcuffs?" Raila questioned.
The ODM leader also urged the government to compensate the Gen Zs who were injured during the anti-Finance Bill protests, emphasizing that the government should address its critics by abandoning a system built on falsehoods.
"It is very sad for me what happened, just like when we were demonstrating. We should compensate the Gen Z's who were injured during their protests. We should compensate them for the country to move forward," Raila continued.
Meanwhile, he assured Kenyans that despite his AUC bid, he has not changed and that he will continue to fight for Kenya's rights.
"Even if I am going to Adis Ababa, no one is taking me there. It is not that I have changed. We must speak on these issues.''
Since the formation of the broad-based government, Odinga has remained silent on many challenges facing the Kenya Kwanza administration. This marks the first instance of him publicly criticizing the same since its inception.
The broad-based government saw Raila Odinga's allies secure significant wins, with some being appointed to Cabinet Secretary positions.
Meanwhile, cases of abductions have become a growing concern across the country. Despite the alarming number of youth disappearing, no arrests have been made, leaving many Kenyans frustrated as their calls for action seemingly go unanswered.
