Aasai

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has issued a passionate appeal to both government and opposition leaders, urging them to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the welfare of the nation. Speaking on Friday during the second day of the National Executive Retreat held in Karen, Nairobi, Odinga called for responsible leadership amid ongoing protests across the country triggered by the proposed Finance Bill 2024.

 Odinga, the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), expressed concern over the growing political divisions and unrest, cautioning leaders against using the protests as a springboard to gain political power. He criticized a section of opposition figures whom he accused of indirectly supporting or fueling the protests, claiming that their motives were driven more by personal ambition than the interests of the people. “There are those who are silently cheering for more unrest, hoping it will create a path for their rise to power,” Odinga stated.

“But they forget that there are millions of Kenyans who are not interested in politics or power struggles — they simply want a peaceful and stable country where they can work and live with dignity.” Odinga emphasized that moments of national difficulty should not be used for political expediency but rather as an opportunity for collective action. He urged leaders, regardless of political affiliation, to come together and seek long-lasting solutions to the issues affecting ordinary citizens. He reminded the political class that leadership is not about riding the waves of public sentiment but about helping steer the country in the right direction. “You are not put in office to simply follow the winds of popularity,” Odinga warned. “Real leadership demands courage — the courage to listen to people, the courage to do the right thing even when it is not the easiest or most popular path.” He lamented a growing trend where some leaders avoid tough decisions and instead take positions that only serve to appease the masses temporarily. According to Odinga, this form of leadership is short-sighted and does not address the root causes of the country’s problems. “We must ask ourselves: are we turning the tide or merely surviving by doing what’s easy and politically safe? Are we truly listening to the people or just speaking at them?” he posed. Odinga also acknowledged recent steps by the government to address concerns raised in the Finance Bill 2024.

 He commended President William Ruto’s administration for showing some willingness to adjust and respond to the cries of the people, following days of street protests and public backlash. He, however, emphasized that the government’s actions should not be driven by the desire to win future elections, but by a commitment to doing what is right for the people of Kenya. “This government must respond to the cries of the people — not to win popularity or elections — but because it is the right thing to do,” he said. Odinga’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension in the country.

 His call for unity, dialogue, and citizen-focused leadership is seen as an important intervention in a volatile political climate where many Kenyans are looking for solutions, not more divisions.