Savula faults Raila over mixed signals on Ruto support, loyalty

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has accused ODM leader Raila Odinga of double-speak. [File, Standard]

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has criticised ODM leader Raila Odinga for failing to clarify whether he fully supports President William Ruto or remains aligned with the opposition.

Speaking in Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County, Savula accused Raila of double-speak and urged him to declare his position unequivocally, emphasising the need for consistency and principle among leaders.

"I am pleading with my friend Raila Odinga to be principled. If he has decided to support President Ruto, then let him do so unconditionally. Raila claims to be part of the broad-based government, yet his Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna, continues to insult the Head of State and promote the 'one-term' slogan," said Savula.

Savula challenged Raila and the ODM party to sack Sifuna if they truly support Ruto, claiming that Raila's lieutenants have been attacking the government while the party leader remains silent.

He also urged residents of the Western region to support President Ruto as a strategic move to secure his backing for a Luhya presidential candidate in 2032.

"We have had presidents who have been out of touch with our region. President Ruto is closer to us, and if we rally behind him, then we stand a better chance of getting his support in the 2032 elections as compared to other leaders," he said.

He further called for peace in the region, accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of fostering tribalism, division, and unrest. "We are peaceful people, and we have decided to promote peace. I want to urge our leaders to stop preaching tribalism and shun divisive rhetoric that risks plunging Kenya into anarchy," said Savula.

The leader's remarks come barely a day after Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda hit out at some ODM leaders, accusing them of hypocrisy for criticising the Kenya Kwanza administration while still enjoying privileges in government.

"Those ODM leaders criticising the government should not threaten or lecture us on how to run the government or on human rights. They have never won any elections," he posted.

Before Jhanda sentiments, Raila had criticised President Ruto's orders to the police to shoot goons who infiltrate protests.