Ruto allies tell Raila to stop criticism or else...

Azimio leader Raila Odinga shakes hands with the US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman during the 248th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America on June 8, 2024. [Emmanuel Wanson, Standard]

A section of President William Ruto's allies have now attached conditions for the government's support of Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union (AU) chairmanship.

As part of their efforts to ensure that Raila toes the line and supports the government, they want the ODM chief and his allies to stop criticising Kenya Kwanza administration.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Belgut MP Nelson Koech and Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei said they will not allow Raila and his supporters to continue attacking the government while expecting its support for his AU quest.

Speaking in Kiptome in Belgut, Koech said while the government is planning and executing a campaign to help Raila clinch the AU seat, it was unfair, unjust, and selfish for him to work with certain elements in the government and opposition to sabotage Ruto's administration.

The Belgut MP, who also chairs the National Assembly's Defence Committee, urged President Ruto to address Raila's actions.

"Odinga must fold his troops. They should be civil with the government as it campaigns for Odinga to secure the AU seat. If they don't heed this warning, we will drop the bid and let Odinga fail as he has in Kenya's general elections," said Koech.

Cheruiyot added: "This kind of self-sabotage has made Odinga a serial presidential loser in Kenyan politics. His continued involvement in local petty politics may cost him the AU chairmanship," he said.

"He should remain quiet until he becomes the AU chairman. He should give President Ruto the space and time to plan for his success."

Kericho Woman Representative said Raila should seek prayers from Kenyans as the AU campaign gains momentum.