Wamuzi News Ke
Tension surged this afternoon as mourners converged at the home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Karen, erupting into defiant chants of “Ruto must go” just as President William Ruto visited to pay respects. The unexpected outburst marks a dramatic escalation in political atmosphere hours after Odinga’s death was confirmed.
Protest Erupts in Grief-Stricken Silence.
Witnesses at the scene say the crowd’s sudden shift from solemn condolences to confrontational slogans stunned onlookers. Video footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke captures mourners repeatedly chanting “Ruto must go” while President Ruto stood by, reportedly consoling Raila’s family.
The chants came despite the fact that, only months earlier, Raila and Ruto had forged a political alliance via a broad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), symbolically uniting their parties in a new, inclusive government framework. Observers note the deep irony: a moment meant to show unity and mourning instead became a flashpoint of defiance.
The mobilised crowd appeared to reject not just the personal legacy of Raila’s passing, but the political status quo under Ruto’s presidency.
Power, Protest and Political Undercurrents.
Analysts say the chants may be the culmination of long-standing frustration: soaring costs of living, rising taxes, and a perceived erosion of democratic checks have stoked discontent under Ruto’s tenure.
Some align the outcry to the rising #RutoMustGo movement, which has gained momentum since mid-2024 as youth—from Generation Z onward—mobilised online and offline to demand accountability. But today’s development underscores a new intensity: grief has transformed into protest.
The emotional ambiguity of mourning is giving way to political theater, with crowds targeting the president as they grieve.
Ruto at the Eye of a Storm.
At a time meant for quiet condolence, Ruto’s presence at Raila’s Karen home has become a lightning rod. Some supporters may have expected a unified display of respect; instead, they were met with public repudiation. The moment sends a message: even in death, Raila’s legacy commands power on the streets.
Inside corridors of influence, there is palpable unease. If mourners feel emboldened now, conversations in political backrooms will shift fast — who leads the next wave? Which alliances fracture or solidify under pressure?
The ruling coalition’s veneer of stability may now be exposed to raw public sentiment.
What Comes Next.
As the afternoon unfolds, all eyes will track how Ruto responds. Will he remain composed and proceed with state protocol, or will he address the protesters directly? Will security be tightened around political installations? And how will Raila’s allies—still in shock—choose to act?
The clash at Karen is no isolated moment. It could be a fissure in Kenya’s political bedrock. What began as mourning may now spiral into a defining moment of crisis — one that could take the country far beyond the confines of protocol and into the streets.
