Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has stirred debate after questioning President William Ruto’s reaction to the death of Raila Odinga, claiming the Head of State appeared unusually calm even after receiving the news.
Speaking during a condolence event in Nairobi, Wamalwa said he was puzzled by the President’s own account of events. According to him, Ruto told Kenyans that he received news of Raila’s death at about 7 a.m., yet was later seen publicly signing bills at State House as if nothing had happened.
“I listened to the President say he got the news early in the morning, yet he was calmly signing bills, knowing Raila was dead,” Wamalwa said.
His remarks have drawn mixed reactions from leaders and the public alike. Some have defended the President, saying he may have chosen to maintain composure while awaiting official confirmation, while others feel the moment called for an immediate address to the nation.
Wamalwa’s comments have since ignited fresh conversations about leadership, empathy, and state protocol during national tragedy.
He further urged leaders to set aside political differences and unite in mourning the former Prime Minister, describing Raila as a man who “shaped Kenya’s democratic path.”
Wamalwa concluded that true leadership is shown through compassion, especially when the nation is grieving.
By Kenyans