Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged politicians to halt early election campaigns and instead prioritize the country’s development. Speaking at the burial of Colonel (Rtd) James Gitahi in Machakos, Raila emphasized that excessive politicking is detrimental to Kenya’s progress and called for leaders to address pressing national issues.
Raila dismissed calls for the removal of President William Ruto, stating that governance should not be disrupted by continuous political battles. He argued that Kenyans are grappling with more urgent issues such as the high cost of living, inflation, excessive taxation, and corruption, which require immediate attention.
“Unasema Ruto aende, aende halafu nini ifanyike? Hakuna haja, 2027 itafika, lakini Wakenya wako na shida ambazo zinapaswa kutatuliwa sasa,” Raila said. (You are saying Ruto must go, but after he leaves, what next? There is no need; 2027 will come, but Kenyans have pressing problems that must be solved now.)
The opposition leader warned that placing the country in constant campaign mode would stall government operations and development projects. He reiterated the importance of structured governance and accountability rather than continuous political rallies and protests.
“If you put the country in campaign mode, no work will go on. We should have time for work, and campaigns should follow later. Kenyans need to live between now and 2027. The cost of living is high, prices of commodities are rising, taxes are high, and corruption is rampant. That is why we introduced the 10-point agenda, which is not a betrayal,” he said.
Raila’s remarks come amid growing political tensions, with some factions calling for Ruto’s ouster over economic grievances. However, Raila maintained that solutions should be sought through policy reforms and constructive dialogue rather than political upheavals.
The burial in Machakos was a somber occasion, as mourners paid their last respects to Colonel Gitahi, a retired military pilot who died in a tragic road accident on March 7. Gitahi, the husband of ODM-nominated Senator Betty Batuli Montet, lost his life when his vehicle collided with a lorry at Kyumvi Junction on Mombasa Highway, bursting into flames.
Raila’s call for national unity and development-focused governance resonated with many attendees, reinforcing his stance against premature political campaigns.
