Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu claims that Raila Odinga is poised to wield more power than President William Ruto in a new political setup expected to be unveiled in the coming days.
Speaking during a TV interview on Monday, March 3, 2025, Nyutu backed a newspaper report that suggested plans are underway to restructure Harambee House, the official office of the President, to accommodate an executive Prime Minister position, which would be occupied by Raila.
Expanding on the report, the senator argued that Raila would not only serve as a co-president alongside Ruto but would ultimately hold more influence than the Head of State himself.
“I have all the reasons to believe what the Standard has on its headline that Raila is just about to be made co-president and I even dared say that should this arrangement come to pass Raila will not just be a co-president but he will be more powerful than president Ruto in that particular arrangement. And why do I say that? I say that because as we speak, as things stand now president Ruto has no other plan other than hanging on Raila Amollo Odinga. And so whatever Raila asks, he will get it from William Ruto,” Nyutu asserted.
The senator’s remarks come just hours after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made similar claims, claiming that Ruto is now entirely dependent on Raila to remain politically afloat.
Speaking in Machakos on Sunday, Gachagua suggested that Ruto is in such a vulnerable position that he would comply with any of Raila’s demands – even if it meant washing his feet.
“Sahi huyu Raila Odinga akimwambia Ruto amuoshe miguu, atamuosha. Because amekwama. Ni kama mgonjwa akiwa katika ICU ako kwa life support machine. Life support machine ya William Ruto ni Raila Odinga, ikizimwa…” Gachagua remarked.
He further argued that Ruto had lost his political dominance, warning that in the 2027 elections, the President could struggle to remain relevant.
“And because ye alitudharau akifikiria sisi ni watu tu kawaida, sasa ye ni minority. Hii uchaguzi sisi tukiweka candidate yetu, hii mzee aunge ye mkono kama atamuunga mkono, lakini asimame, William Ruto atakua namba nne ama namba tatu akijaribu.”
Raila’s role in Ruto’s political survival
Raila Odinga played a pivotal role in stabilizing Ruto’s administration during the Gen Z-led anti-government protests, which nearly brought the Kenya Kwanza administration to its knees.
In a strategic move, the ODM leader appointed several of his key allies – including Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, Opiyo Wandayi, and John Mbadi – to government positions, a decision that sparked celebrations in regions previously rocked by demonstrations.
Moreover, Raila’s ODM party worked in tandem with Ruto’s UDA to secure the parliamentary numbers needed to impeach Gachagua, further solidifying their newfound alliance.
Initially, Ruto had thrown his weight behind Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, hoping to inherit his political strongholds.
However, after Raila’s bid fell through, the dynamics shifted.
Almost immediately, Ruto’s allies began advocating for Raila’s inclusion in government, proposing the creation of a Prime Ministerial post for him.
If Raila backs Ruto in the 2027 elections, it could be a game-changer.
The ODM leader commands a loyal voter base across Nyanza, Western, Nairobi, and the Coast – regions that have consistently supported him in presidential elections from 2007 to 2022.
With Raila’s endorsement, Ruto’s re-election bid could face significantly less resistance.
Martin Oduor
The alchemist of literary works – a master wordsmith with a proven record of transforming the raw materials of language into a rich tapestry of emotion, thought, and imagination.
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