Raila Backs President Uhuru's Call for Ruto to Resign

ODM leader Raila Odinga has backed President Kenyatta’s call for Deputy President William Ruto to resign.

Speaking during an interview with vernacular radio stations on Friday, Odinga accused Ruto of doublespeak, saying that he should quit the government if he is unhappy with the way it is being run.

He insisted that Kenyatta and Ruto were elected together and it is impossible for the deputy president to distance himself from the government when it is politically convenient.

“When things are not going your way, you should be principled and resign. Otherwise, future generations will judge you harshly,” said Odinga.

“This is not the first time we are facing such a situation. My father Jaramogi was not fired. He realized he was not assigned duties so he wrote his resignation to the president.”

Odinga spoke days after President Kenyatta challenged Ruto to resign if he felt unsatisfied with how the government is being run. 

Uhuru faulted Ruto for criticizing the same government he is part of and, at the same time, taking credit for its achievements.

“The honorable thing is that if you are not happy is you step aside and allow those who want to move on, to move on. So that you can also take your agenda to the people. This is what happens in any normal democracy. You can’t have your cake and eat it,” Kenyatta stated.

Responding to Uhuru, Ruto said, “I have no space to retreat and I don’t have the luxury to surrender.”