KDF Breaks Silence On Reports That Raila Saved Ruto
On Monday, March 17, the Ministry of Defence released a forceful statement criticizing the Daily Nation for publishing a story stating that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga thwarted a military coup against President William Ruto.
In its statement, the Ministry criticized the Sunday Nation piece “Raila: I Saved Ruto from Military Coup” and another item in Taifa Jumapili titled “Nilivyozima Mapinduzi Dhidi ya Ruto” as misleading.
Raila: I Saved Ruto from Military Coup
— THEE ALFA HOUSE (@thee_alfa_house) March 16, 2025
Raila Odinga has defended his political pact with President Ruto, claiming Kenya was on the brink of a military takeover after the June 25Parliament invasion. He revealed an unnamed source warned him of a looming coup, prompting urgent… pic.twitter.com/zUwXBVWnio
“The Ministry of Defence notes with concern the inaccurate news article in yesterday’s Sunday Nation,” the statement read.
The papers in question cite an unnamed source and claim that Raila indicated in an exclusive interview that Kenya was on the cusp of military control if not for his intervention.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) remained a professional and apolitical institution, according to the Ministry, “that upholds the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and service to the nation.”
The claims were described as “false, baseless, unfounded, misleading, and reckless”.
— Hon. Soipan Tuya, E.G.H (@HonTuya) March 17, 2025
“The KDF remains committed to its constitutional mandate and has no involvement in political affairs,” the statement read in part.
The Ministry also accused Daily Nation of sensationalizing national security issues, urging the media outlet to maintain ethical journalism by maintaining honesty, impartiality, and responsibility in reporting.
According to the alleged exclusive interview, Raila warned that the military presence during the anti-Finance Bill rallies in 2024 could have evolved into a situation in which the military completely seized power.
“If the military had taken over, then Ruto would not be in power today. Once soldiers leave the barracks, they never go back,” Raila allegedly told Nation.
“The country was on the brink. If the protests had continued the way they were, the military would have taken over, and that would have been the end of civilian rule.”
According to the story, Raila denied betraying Generation Z.
The ODM leader claimed that his goal had moved to de-escalate tensions in the country, even if it meant addressing President Ruto, who was not popular during the rallies.
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Notably, the essay was published during a period of political uncertainty, with sections criticizing Raila’s strategy following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the President earlier in March.
In one of Raila’s most recent public statements, the former Prime Minister chastised lawmakers who urged him to challenge Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Raila said he was focused on the present, claiming that replacing Ruto would do little to address the core challenges plaguing Kenya.
He addressed the burial of veteran retired pilot Colonel James Nguyo Gitahi in Maanzoni, Machakos County.
KDF Breaks Silence On Reports That Raila Saved Ruto
