Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga made a surprising entrance into the ongoing 'Mambo ni Matatu' controversy on Saturday, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. His unexpected involvement came in the form of a message delivered by Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli, as Raila shared a podium with the union leader in Vihiga County.
At the heart of the matter was President William Ruto's recent remarks that had sent shockwaves throughout Kenya, particularly among those in the business world. Ruto's comments were perceived as a veiled threat to billionaire industrialist Jaswant Rai, a key figure in the country's sugar sector. Ruto had warned Rai to cease his legal actions against the struggling Mumias Sugar Company or face three stark consequences: imprisonment, exile, or an appointment with heaven.
Raila, speaking from the same platform as Atwoli, expressed his deep concern over Ruto's remarks, denouncing them as reckless and far from the demeanor expected of a presidential candidate. The former Prime Minister cheekily pointed out Atwoli's recent friendship with Ruto and urged the COTU boss to advise the President against making such inflammatory comments in the future.
In his address to the audience, Raila questioned the wisdom of offering three ultimatums as a display of leadership, emphasizing that Kenya needed dialogue, peace, and unity rather than threats. He cautioned against underestimating the gravity of Ruto's statements, highlighting the importance of checks and balances to ensure that political leaders don't lead Kenya down a dangerous path.
Before inviting Raila to the podium, Atwoli voiced his support for Ruto's strong stance against corruption, citing it as a major hindrance to the country's development and service delivery. He reiterated his refusal to back individuals accused of corruption and asserted that Ruto's uncompromising stance was what Kenya needed to combat this scourge.
Ruto's initial warning to Jaswant Rai came during his recent tour of Western Kenya, where he demanded that the industrialist withdraw all court cases related to Mumias Sugar Company. Rai and other petitioners swiftly complied with Ruto's ultimatum, further fueling the intrigue surrounding the struggling sugar mill.
As events continued to unfold in the 'Mambo ni Matatu' fiasco, Raila's entry into the fray promised to add another layer of complexity to an already convoluted situation, leaving Kenya eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this unfolding drama.