President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga shared a platform on Wednesday, calling for national unity and peace as thousands marked the anniversary of the 25 June 2024 demonstrations.
The two leaders, who joined forces following last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests, spoke during the funeral of Gideon Baya Mung’aro, father of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
Last year’s unrest left more than 60 people dead and hundreds injured.
President Ruto urged Kenyans to demonstrate peacefully and avoid destruction. “Those with differing views must ensure their protests are peaceful. If we destroy our country, there is nowhere else to go. It is our responsibility to safeguard peace,” he said.
Protesters marched in over 20 counties, with some incidents of looting and property damage reported. Demonstrators demanded an end to police brutality and justice for victims of the 2024 protests.
Dr Ruto also took aim at leaders already gearing up for the 2027 presidential race, stating that his administration is prioritising development in sectors such as health, education, roads, agriculture, and housing.
“I appreciate Mr Odinga for agreeing to work with us to unite the country. Nationhood is more important than daily politicking. Elections take just a day; development is a continuous process,” he added.
Mr Odinga echoed the call for peace and urged an end to constant political campaigning. “We cannot be in campaign mode indefinitely. Kenya needs peace. After elections, we must wait for the proper time to campaign again,” he said.
He, however, defended the constitutional right to protest and condemned interference from security forces. The ODM leader also criticised opposition politicians, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who participated in yesterday’s anti-government protests in Nairobi.
Coast leaders used the platform to support the idea of an inclusive government. Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho noted that the Coast region is now part of the government’s development agenda.
Nonetheless, Mr Joho and others called for the President’s intervention on key regional issues, including land grabbing, human–wildlife conflict around Tsavo National Park, and access to clean water.
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