Oburu Odinga accuses Ruto’s administration of scheming plot to assasinate Raila

Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga’s elder brother Oburu Odinga has claimed that there is a ploy by the State to assassinate Raila.

Speaking during a rally convened by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party at Mowlem market in Kisumu county on Saturday, July 15, 2023, Oburu claimed that he had received information at a political level that there were plans to eliminate the opposition chief and dared the government to carry on with the ploy.

“We have information at the family level, political level and other circles, that Kenya Kwanza regime is put to eliminate Raila. But we urge them to go ahead,’’ Oburu stated.

He noted that Raila was not the problem affecting Kenya stating that the high cost of living was the real issue afflicting the nation.

“Even if you kill Raila today, there will be another Raila tomorrow and another one someday in the succeeding genealogy of the Luo descent. There are many Railas in Kenya,” Oburu stated.

While maintaining that the high cost of living, hunger and unemployment are the top economic problems facing Kenyans in their localities, Oburu urged the State not to vilify Kenyans when they protest.

Oburu also claimed Kenyans had outlived the reigns of the imperial Presidency and told the Kenya Kwanza brigade to rethink some of the ‘evil plans’ they harboured against Raila and his allies.

He stated that Kenya will not be the same again, should President Ruto’s regime try to assassinate Raila.

“God forbid, but if such a thing happens it will mark the end of your reign and Kenya will never be the same again. It will be the end of your Presidency,” Oburu claimed.

Further, the Siaya Senator told the government to listen to the dissenting voices and resolve the problems amicably and stop assuming all was alright when a segment of the population was grumbling.

He observed that currently, limited job opportunities had resulted in reduced income and financial insecurity for millions of Kenyans.

“The economic burden is too heavy on Kenyans,” Oburu said.

The rally was attended by MPs Rosa Buyu, (Kisumu West), Joshua Oron,(Kisumu Central), James Nyikal,(Seme), Aduma Owuor,(Nyakach), Charles Were(Kasipul-Kabondo) and Nyando MP Jared Okello.

Raila who had earlier tipped to grace the event, skipped the rally since was held up in Mombasa.

Other leaders who graced the event were Kisumu and Homabay County Assembly Speakers Elisha Oraro and Julius Gaya and several MCAs led by Kisumu majority leader Ken Ouma and Chief whip Seth Kanga and branch ODM leaders.

ODM Minority leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi also joined the fray as well as Kisumu County leaders led by Deputy Governor Mathews Owili who also scoffed at secret plans to arrest Raila.

On his part, Wandayi rallied Kenyans to turn up in large numbers next week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to carry on with protests until the State finds a solution to end the high cost of living and drop high taxes.

Ruto warns Raila

Oburu’s remarks come in the wake of Ruto’s warning to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Odinga against what he termed as ‘instigating’ violence in the country for the sake of their own ulterior motives.

Ruto also maintained that he will not be cowed by the anti-government protests, adding that he will not stand by and witness the opposition fuel anarchy across the country.

“We cannot accept anarchy in the Republic of Kenya, na ndio mimi nataka niwaambie hawa handshake brothers; nyinyi mnapanga kununua vijana waharibu mali, walete fujo na maafa kwa sababu hamtaki tuendelee, mnataka kutuweka mateka wenu… na hatutakubali,” he said.