Raila Gives Ruto Until Today Midnight in Ultimatum Threats

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
President William Ruto (left) and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) at separate events.
PCS
ODM

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga warned President William Ruto that he had until Wednesday midnight, March 8, to respond to Azimio La Umoja's demands. 

While speaking at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday, March 07, Raila remarked that time was running against the head of state who was yet to address grievances raised. 

Raila, on February 22, gave the government a 14-day ultimatum to address the high cost of living, recruitment of Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners and opening of its servers. 

“The deadline is today at midnight, so expect to hear from us on Thursday morning, March 9,” the Azimio leader cautioned. 

ODM Leader Raila Odinga (in white cap) in the confrontation that ensued when he dropped by the DCI headquarters on March 7, 2023.
ODM Leader Raila Odinga (in white cap) in the confrontation that ensued when he dropped by the DCI headquarters on March 7, 2023.
Seth Olale

The Former Prime Minister did not rule out mass action if the demands were unmet.

Raila Odinga further dismissed the selection panel constituted to select new IEBC commissioners. He played cagey with the press, declining to be pushed into giving a concrete answer on whether he would confront Ruto. 

“That is a sham, I have nothing to talk about it,” he told the press.

While issuing the ultimatum, Raila Odinga criticised the government for holding prayer rallies when Kenyans were grappling with the high cost of living

“These are hypocrites who flock to the church every Sunday but are the biggest sinners after that,” he remarked while attending a prayer rally at Jevanjee Gardens.

“Withdrawal of subsidies to food and education during drought and famine was reckless and heartless. Consequently, the subsidies must be restored, and the cost of basic commodities and taxes must come down in the next 14 days,” he ordered.

While attending the burial of Luo Council of Elders Chairman Opiyo Otondi on March 4, Raila revealed plans to lead a mass rally to State House, Nairobi to pressure President Ruto.

The head of state, however, brushed off the demands and threats, arguing that he would not be coerced into giving in to opposition demands. 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga pays his last respect for Chairman of Luo Council of Elders Jaduong Ker Willis Opiyo Otondi.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga pays his last respect to the former Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders Jaduong Ker Willis Opiyo Otondi during the latter's burial ceremony on March 4, 2023.
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Elijah Omondi
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