Wamuzi News Ke
On Monday, March 17, the Ministry of Defence strongly criticized the Daily Nation over an article suggesting that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga played a key role in preventing a military coup against President William Ruto.
The Ministry dismissed the report, which appeared in the Sunday Nation under the title “Raila: I Saved Ruto from Military Coup”, as well as a related piece in Taifa Jumapili, “Nilivyozima Mapinduzi Dhidi ya Ruto.” Officials described the claims as misleading and entirely unfounded.
“The Ministry of Defence expresses concern over the inaccurate reporting in yesterday’s Sunday Nation,” the statement read.
According to the controversial report, an unnamed source revealed that Raila, in an exclusive interview, claimed Kenya was on the verge of military rule, but his intervention stopped it.
Calling the allegations “false, reckless, and misleading,” the Ministry reaffirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is a disciplined and non-partisan institution dedicated to upholding its constitutional responsibilities.
“KDF remains committed to its mandate and does not engage in political matters,” the statement emphasized.
The Ministry also accused the Daily Nation of irresponsibly sensationalizing national security issues and urged the media outlet to uphold ethical journalism standards by prioritizing accuracy and fairness.
The disputed article suggested that Raila warned of a potential military takeover during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, arguing that had the military fully intervened, civilian rule would have been in jeopardy.
“If the military had taken control, Ruto wouldn’t be in power today. Once soldiers step out of the barracks, they rarely return,” Raila allegedly told the publication.
The report also noted Raila’s denial of claims that he had betrayed the Gen-Z movement, insisting that his goal was to stabilize the nation, even if it meant working with President Ruto, who faced widespread unpopularity during the protests.
The controversy emerges amid growing political uncertainty, especially after Raila signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ruto earlier this month. Critics have questioned his political direction following the deal.
During a recent public event, Raila dismissed suggestions that he should challenge Ruto in the 2027 elections, stating that his priority is addressing Kenya’s deeper systemic challenges rather than simply removing the current leadership.
