Raila to Become Co-President with More Power Than Ruto
Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu has sparked intense political debate by suggesting that Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga could become more powerful than President William Ruto if he officially joins the government.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Monday, March 3, Senator Nyutu claimed that President Ruto’s political survival now hinges on an alliance with Raila, a situation that could shift the power dynamic in Kenya’s leadership.
“I have all the reasons to believe that Raila is about to be made co-president, and I even dare say that should this arrangement come to pass, Raila will not just be a co-president but will be more powerful than President Ruto in that particular arrangement,” Nyutu stated.
According to the senator, President Ruto currently lacks an alternative strategy beyond working with Raila, making him politically vulnerable. “As things stand now, President Ruto has no other plan other than hanging on Raila, and so whatever Raila asks, he will get from William Ruto,” he added.
Raila’s Next Move: Government or Opposition?
Raila’s next steps remain a mystery, with speculation growing over whether he will align with the government or remain in the opposition as the 2027 elections approach. ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga revealed that Raila is still consulting with his supporters before making a final decision.
“So far, ODM and Kenya Kwanza do not have any formal agreement or documentation defining our relationship. As soon as the party leader came back, he began consultations with his supporters to decide which direction he should take. Once he is through, he will present his findings to the party’s organs and give us the way forward,” Wanga said on Monday, March 3.
She emphasized that ODM members already hold positions in Ruto’s administration, making the situation even more complex. “We have also seen former Deputy President and others saying, ‘Raila, please make up your mind which way you are going.’ We are considering all these aspects because we need to choose a direction that aligns with our beliefs,” she added.
Raila Keeps the Pressure on Ruto’s Government
Even while maintaining a cordial relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government, Raila has continued to challenge Ruto’s administration on key national issues. Speaking in Mombasa on Sunday, March 3, the opposition leader demanded compensation for victims of past political protests, including those injured in the 2023 Azimio demonstrations and last year’s Gen Z protests.
“The youth who sustained injuries and parents of those who lost their lives during the 2023 Azimio protests and last year’s Gen Z protests must be compensated,” Raila declared.
He also called for an end to such violent incidents in Kenya’s political landscape. “These are the conditions we are setting. But the most important thing is that such incidents should not be happening in our country,” he asserted.
What Lies Ahead?
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Raila’s decision will have significant implications for Kenya’s political landscape. If he aligns with Ruto’s government, it could signal a major political realignment, potentially sidelining Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other key Kenya Kwanza figures. However, if he remains in the opposition, Ruto could face intensified political pressure from a reenergized Azimio coalition.
As the nation waits for Raila’s final move, the stakes remain high, with both government and opposition players keenly observing his next steps.
In other news: Kenyan Newspapers Review: Kindiki to Move Out of Harambee House Annex as Ruto-Raila Deal Takes Shape
Raila to Become Co-President with More Power Than Ruto