The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), led by Raila Odinga, has called for the resignation of President William Ruto, accusing him of having “blood on his hands” following the deadly handling of nationwide protests.
In a strong-worded statement, ODM condemned the violent suppression of demonstrators during the protests on June 25, which resulted in the deaths of several innocent citizens. The opposition party described the incidents as a “vote of no confidence” against President Ruto, highlighting the growing discontent among Kenyans towards his administration.
ODM’s statement emphasized the president’s failure to protect the rights of citizens, particularly the right to peaceful protest. The party asserted that the government’s heavy-handed response was a blatant violation of constitutional freedoms and called for accountability for the loss of lives.
“The president has blood on his hands,” the ODM statement read. “The killings of innocent protesters cannot be justified under any circumstances. The events of June 25 are a clear indication that President Ruto has lost the moral authority to lead this nation. We demand his immediate resignation.”
The protests, which initially began as peaceful demonstrations, quickly turned violent as security forces clashed with protesters in several cities across the country. Witnesses reported excessive use of force by police, including the use of live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Human rights organizations have condemned the actions of the security forces, calling for an independent investigation into the incidents.
In response to ODM’s call for resignation, President Ruto has maintained his stance, stating that the government’s actions were necessary to maintain law and order. He accused the opposition of inciting violence and undermining the stability of the country.
“We will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize our nation,” President Ruto said in a televised address. “The government has a duty to protect its citizens and maintain peace. Those who choose to incite violence will be dealt with accordingly.”
The call for President Ruto’s resignation comes at a critical time for Kenya, as the nation grapples with economic challenges, political tensions, and social unrest. The recent protests have further exacerbated these issues, leading to widespread calls for political reforms and accountability.
As the political landscape remains tense, the international community has urged restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis. Several countries and international organizations have expressed concern over the escalating violence and have called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The ODM’s demand for President Ruto’s resignation underscores the deepening political divide in Kenya and raises questions about the future of the country’s leadership. With the opposition party rallying its supporters and the government standing firm, the coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of Kenya’s political trajectory.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is a prominent political party in Kenya, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Known for its strong stance on social justice and democratic reforms, ODM has been a vocal critic of the current administration and continues to advocate for the rights of Kenyan citizens.
