President William Ruto has dismissed allegations that he supported former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairperson position to remove him from the country’s political scene.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Raila on Friday, March 7, Ruto described the allegations as mere rumours.
According to the Head of State, his support for Odinga’s AUC Chairperson bid was never intended for Raila to reciprocate the same efforts for his presidential bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ruto further stated that his campaign for the Azimio leader was due to Odinga’s vast experience as a Pan-Africanist and his deep knowledge of African issues.
“When Raila Odinga decided to run for the position of AUC Chairperson, it was obvious to me that, as a citizen of this country, I owed him my support,” Ruto commented.
“Knowing him as a leader with experience, and that he has an immense understanding of African issues, he qualified not only for my support but also for that of the government, and that is why we went out of our way to support his candidature,” he added.
He further emphasised that, despite the allegations, Raila was a strong candidate for the top continental seat and that he went to great lengths to help him secure the AUC Chairperson role.
The president also noted that his collaboration with Raila in forming a broad-based government was purely for the benefit of all Kenyans.
During his speech, the Head of State commended the ODM party leader for agreeing to work with the Kenya Kwanza government despite criticism from the opposition.
“This, to me, is a very bold and courageous decision. It may not be a popular decision, but that does not undermine the fact that it is the right decision—to stand with Kenyans,” the Head of State noted.
According to the president, no Kenyan, regardless of ethnic community, religion, or political affiliation, would be left behind under the new broad-based government.
Meanwhile, President Ruto's remarks came just minutes after he formalised a broad-based deal with Raila, with the two leaders signing 10 agreements, officially bringing the ODM party into government.
