A heated political storm erupted on Saturday after Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of hypocrisy over his remarks on the late Raila Odinga. Speaking at a funeral in Kisii County, the outspoken senator questioned the sincerity of Ruto’s tributes to the former Prime Minister, claiming that his actions in government directly contradict the ideals Raila fought for throughout his political life.
“Ruto asijifanye anapenda Raila, ilhali anapitisha bills ambazo zinaenda kinyume na kila kitu ambacho Raila alipigania, siku moja tu baada ya kifo chake,” Onyonka fumed. His statement, which loosely translates to “Ruto should not pretend to love Raila while passing bills that go against everything Raila fought for, just one day after his death,” has since stirred sharp debate across the political divide.
Senator Onyonka’s remarks came just days after Parliament passed several controversial bills backed by the Kenya Kwanza government, including one that critics say weakens devolution and limits the independence of county governments. According to Onyonka, these legislative moves are a betrayal of Raila’s lifelong push for democracy, devolution, and the protection of ordinary Kenyans from centralized power.
The senator reminded the public that Raila Odinga spent decades in detention, exile, and opposition, fighting to bring freedom, equality, and justice to Kenya. “Raila stood for fairness, democracy, and the empowerment of counties. If you claim to love him, show it through your actions — not by passing oppressive laws,” he added, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Onyonka’s fiery words have reignited national conversation about Raila’s political legacy and how the current government will choose to honor it. Many Kenyans have taken to social media to express mixed reactions — with Raila’s supporters praising Onyonka for “speaking truth to power,” while Ruto’s allies dismissed the comments as unnecessary politicization of a mourning period.
Political analysts, however, say Onyonka’s statement exposes a deeper ideological rift in Kenyan politics. While Raila was often seen as the champion of reform and people-centered governance, the current administration has been accused of prioritizing power consolidation and fiscal control. To Onyonka, this contrast is proof that Ruto’s public mourning is mere symbolism rather than genuine respect.
The timing of the senator’s remarks — coming at a moment when the nation is still mourning Raila’s death — has made the debate even more charged. It raises an important question: should Kenya’s leaders continue Raila’s reform agenda, or will his vision fade with his passing?
As emotions continue to run high across the country, one thing remains clear — Raila Odinga’s legacy continues to shape Kenya’s political conscience even in death. And for leaders like Senator Onyonka, defending that legacy is not just a matter of loyalty, but a moral duty to the ideals that “Baba” lived and died for.
