Without Raila Odinga, Ruto’s Government is on Borrowed Time - Karua

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has sounded a stark warning that President William Ruto’s administration is at risk of political collapse following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The veteran politician claimed that the late leader’s presence was a key stabilizing factor for the government, and his absence could have profound implications for the upcoming 2027 elections.

In an interview with TV47 on December 23, Karua stated that the President’s political strength relied heavily on his alignment with Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

“If there is someone heavily bereaved politically, it is Ruto. Without Baba’s presence, he will not get unified support. Even now, he is not so sure that he can make it another year,” Karua said.

Karua emphasized that Raila’s absence would be felt more keenly as political realignments take place ahead of the general elections.

She hinted that divisions within the ODM party over its relationship with Ruto’s government could weaken the President’s influence.

The PLP leader described these internal struggles as a potential disadvantage to the administration, suggesting that Ruto’s political career is now more vulnerable than ever.

Speaking about her final conversation with Raila before his passing, Karua revealed that the late Prime Minister had expressed discomfort in his working relationship with President Ruto.

She admitted that she had encouraged Raila to consider stepping away from the government to allow it to face the challenges of governance independently.

“I told him I don’t want an answer today; I’m leaving it with you to think, but he did say he was very uncomfortable,” Karua recounted.

Karua further accused President Ruto of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies, claiming that the government had neglected Kenyans detained in neighboring countries.

She also referred to the November by-elections as a warning to the opposition to remain vigilant, implying that the results exposed weaknesses in Ruto’s support base.

According to Karua, these dynamics suggest that the President is likely to serve only a single term.

The PLP leader’s remarks underscore the ongoing political turbulence following Raila Odinga’s death in October 2025.

Odinga, a central figure in Kenyan politics for decades, played a key role in fostering alliances and stabilizing relationships across party lines.

His absence has intensified jockeying for leadership and influence, especially within ODM and its allied networks.