Kibra, Kenya – In an electrifying speech at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra, Raila Odinga, the Azimio la Umoja party leader, delivered a scathing indictment of President William Ruto’s administration. Dubbed the “Kibra Declaration”, Raila presented ten reasons why Ruto’s rule must end.
A Government of Contempt and Iron Fist
Raila accused Ruto of governing with absolute contempt and an iron fist, subverting the will of the people. He accused Ruto of speaking with forked tongue as tax cheats ran the government and accused powerful figures in the government of holding office despite facing numerous court cases and charges.
Taxation Without Representation
Raila lambasted the government for not catering to the concerns of Kenyans, with no increase in wages to combat rising inflation and high taxes. He also claimed that Ruto was trying to fill the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with gullible commissioners who would bend to the government’s rule. “They were busy trying to sneak in a bite to eat, but they didn’t realize the owners were wide awake and coming for them,” Raila quipped.
Elections and Electoral Reforms
In the realm of elections, Raila called for equal representation in the selection of electoral commissioners and for the voices of the commissioners to be respected. He decried the law on IEBC imposed by the government and stated that his coalition would only approve it if fairness was enhanced. Raila also proposed that each county have its own electoral commission to count votes regionally.
The Fight Continues: Mavoko, Machakos, and Busia Rallies
Raila closed his speech by affirming that the Azimio coalition would continue with peaceful demonstrations. Their next stops include Mavoko on February 10, Machakos on February 12, and Busia on February 12, where they plan to rally.
Raila’s Kibra Declaration served as a rallying cry for the opposition and a warning to Ruto’s regime: the fight is far from over.
