Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, August 13, responded to Deputy President William Ruto's accusations that the so-called 'deep state' was out to thwart his 2022 Presidential Bid.
Raila stated that he knew nothing of the deep state as he held no position in government, stating that President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP Ruto were better placed to speak on the supposed outfit.
"I hold no position in the Government of Kenya. It is led by the president and his deputy, whose names you know. So if you’re talking about the ‘Deep State’, who is there? It’s the President and his deputy. So go and ask the DP, which deep state are you talking about?" he stated.
Ruto had on Wednesday, August 12, declared that he was unfazed by an alleged systemic effort to crush his ambitions of ascending to the presidency.
“I just want to tell them: ‘We’re waiting for you’. This system, this deep state we are being told about, we are waiting for it,” he stated, asserting that he had the backing of God and the people.
Raila also announced to ODM party members plans to hold internal elections in the near future. He promised a break from past chaotic exercises characterised by hooliganism and claims of vote-rigging, urging party members to embrace democracy.
He spoke after meeting ODM leaders including members newly appointed to the National Elections Board and the Central Committee following a reconstitution exercise.
"We want to move forward as one united party. We are now doing preparations and shortly we will have party elections.
"The message we have sent out to all our party members across the country is that we want discipline and peace in this election so that we can internalise democracy within our party," Raila stated.
He stated that the opposition party would not be able to run a democratic government if it could not run a democratic party.
Raila further acknowledged the challenges of the past including the infamous 'Men in Black' incident where goons stormed the Kasarani Stadium in 2014 and destroyed ballot boxes. He termed such moments as lessons for ODM.
Flawed nomination exercises have also been cited as a challenge for the party, with the new team tasked with instituting transparent processes.
"Our party is growing from strength to strength all the time. Every political party in the world has its low moments and high moments.
"If you ask Judy [Paren]) she will tell you about the 'Men in Black' was one of their low moments. These are not accidents, but lessons that a party learns from in order to improve and strengthen," he stated.
Watch Raila address the Deep State matter below:
Q: Do you understand this thing called ‘Deep State’ or the ‘System’?
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 13, 2020
Raila Odinga: I hold no position in the government; it is led by the President and his deputy, whose names you know. So if you’re talking about the ‘Deep State’, who is there? It’s the President and his deputy. pic.twitter.com/ofxpA7oHGO
