ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga has urged Kenyans and political leaders to avoid turning political competition into personal enmity, saying rivals can still work together for the stability and unity of the country.
Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi, Oburu reflected on the political rivalry between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the 2022 General Election.
The Siaya Senator admitted that after the election, he never imagined he would one day sit together with Ruto at the same table following the intense political contest.
“Don't make political competition enmity. It is not enmity. That is why President Ruto was the opponent of my brother in the last elections. I never dreamed that I would ever sit down with him across the table. Because I believed, maybe wrongly, that he stole our election. But today we are together in a broad-based government,” Oburu said.
Oburu said the cooperation between the two political sides demonstrates the importance of reconciliation and dialogue in nation-building.
According to him, leaders must embrace political tolerance and avoid creating divisions that could destabilise the country.
He added that those with opposing political views should still be treated as friends, brothers and sisters despite differences in opinion.
Oburu further called for peaceful and democratic competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We don’t want war. We don’t want conflicts in our country. Let us go for free, fair competition in the next elections in 2027 and let the best person win,” he said.
The ODM leader also cautioned Kenyans against taking peace for granted, warning that instability could have serious consequences for the country.
“Don’t take peace for granted. You don’t know how dear it is until you lose it,” he added.
During the National Prayer Breakfast, President William Ruto urged Kenyans to remain calm ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the outcome of the polls will ultimately be determined by God.
Ruto assured the country that the elections would be peaceful, free and fair despite growing political tensions. “Relax, what God has decided will happen,” said the President.
“We will have elections, and they will be peaceful without violence, and they will be free and fair. Because what God has decided no man can change,” he added.
Ruto said there was no need for panic over the next election, insisting that the country’s democratic process would remain stable. “The people are in a panic, but what God has decided will happen,” he said.
The President also addressed speculation about his re-election prospects, saying he would accept whichever outcome God determines.
