In a recent interview, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo claimed that President William Ruto has effectively transferred power to opposition leader Raila Odinga, stating, “Ruto’s government is hanging onto Raila’s lips. It is Raila who is in charge of this country right now, politically.”
Senator Maanzo made these remarks during a discussion on Citizen TV, emphasizing that the current administration heavily relies on Raila Odinga’s influence. He suggested that the opposition leader holds significant sway over governmental affairs, despite not holding an official position within the government.
The senator also criticized President Ruto’s recent visit to Kondele, Kisumu, on November 26, where the President received an enthusiastic reception from local residents. Maanzo alleged that the crowd’s warm welcome was orchestrated through financial incentives, claiming that funds used for mobilizing supporters could have been better allocated to infrastructure development in regions like Kisumu or Syokimau.
Furthermore, Maanzo urged President Ruto to bolster Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. He suggested that the President should allocate more resources and engage in diplomatic efforts with other African leaders to support Raila’s candidacy. The senator emphasized the importance of high-level lobbying, noting that only President Ruto, through official channels, can effectively campaign for Raila among other African presidents.
In response to these developments, President Ruto publicly acknowledged Raila Odinga’s role in stabilizing the government, especially following youth-led protests earlier in the year. The President expressed his commitment to collaborating with Raila to promote national unity and address divisive politics.
These events highlight the evolving political dynamics in Kenya, where traditional roles of government and opposition appear increasingly intertwined. The collaboration between President Ruto and Raila Odinga suggests a shift towards a more inclusive governance approach, aiming to foster national cohesion and address pressing issues collectively.
By Kenyan