Rights group urges Raila to shun Ruto, strengthen democracy

The Institute for Human Rights has urged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to focus on strengthening democracy in the country and hold President William Ruto to account for human rights violations.

They appealed to the ODM leader to turn his focus on piling pressure on President Ruto to tackle the country’s challenges with determination and a clear sense of purpose, saying joining Kenya Kwanza would ruin his democratic credentials.

In a statement from Geneva, Switzerland, David Koros, the President of the Institute for Human Rights, said Raila should demand justice for the youth murdered and those abducted for criticising Ruto.

“It would be prudent for Raila to now turn his focus on seeking justice for the young people who were abducted, killed or forced to disappear for criticizing Ruto.” He said.

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Koros cautioned Raila against joining Ruto, saying such a move would ruin his legacy.

He referred to alleged human rights violations, including abductions, under the Kenya Kwanza administration as reasons for Raila to distance himself from the government.

“As a human rights crusader, I want to urge Raila to now focus on local politics after losing the AUC seat. Work on how the young people who were killed, others abducted, and those forced to disappear can be compensated.” He said.

Koros said Raila’s legacy as a reformist and human rights defender was at stake should he decide to join Ruto.

“For the last 40 years, Kenya has witnessed tremendous progress in constitutional reforms and infrastructure development courtesy of Raila’s political activism and acumen.”

“In the early 1980s and 1990s, the ODM boss was in the trenches fighting aggressively for multi-party democracy, a move that salvaged Kenya from being a one-party state. If now decide to join Ruto all that will go down the drain,” he said.

He noted that in his quest for a just society, Raila was arrested, detained and persecuted.

“Despite these atrocities, he has remained calm and demonstrated political maturity throughout his career, giving Kenyans grounds to trust him with their future.” Koros observed.

In the wake of his AUC loss, several leaders, including President Ruto, have been actively courting Raila, anticipating him to engage actively in local politics.

Some of Ruto’s allies are advocating for the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which suggests amendments to the 2010 Constitution to introduce a Prime Minister position—potentially creating a significant role for Raila in the government.

Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei and Belgut MP Nelson Koech have been spearheading this move.

Cherargei argued that Raila’s leadership and experience should not be wasted and suggested he could serve as Prime Minister. Koech also highlighted the value of Odinga’s insights in shaping the country’s political landscape.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also been courting Raila to join his political movement that is campaigning to ensure that Ruto does not get a second term.

Raila is currently consulting his constituents over his next political move.