Nairobi County ward representatives have criticized Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga for his remarks targeting Deputy President William Ruto, calling the comments 'uncalled for, immature, and utterly insensitive.' The criticism came after Odinga accused Ruto of being disrespectful during a recent political exchange.
Anthony Kiragu, leader of the Waithaka Municipal Council, stated during a press conference at City Hall on Friday that the opposition's attacks on Ruto crossed a line. 'We want to register our displeasure in the manner in which the opposition led by Raila Odinga is insulting, disrespecting, and casting aspersions against Dr William Ruto,' Kiragu said.
Odinga's remarks followed a dispute over figures related to a controversial dam project in the Rift Valley, where he alleged Sh21 billion was lost. Ruto had previously contested this, stating only Sh7 billion was at stake. Odinga urged transparency, emphasizing that corruption allegations should be reported to government investigative bodies.
Leah Naikane, a nominated member of the county assembly, defended President Uhuru Kenyatta's anti-corruption efforts and his political truce with Odinga. 'We are all against corruption and that is why we want to highly condemn these attacks. Let the various investigative agencies do their work,' she said.
The ward representatives also accused Odinga's camp of orchestrating a strategy to fracture the Jubilee Party. 'If this trend is left unchecked, we will not have a party in the future,' Naikane warned, highlighting concerns about internal unity within the ruling coalition.
