Africa-Press – Kenya. ODM leader Oburu Odinga has defended President William Ruto amid rising political tensions, questioning criticism directed at the Head of State over his recent responses to opponents.
Speaking on Friday during an Eid-ul-Fitr luncheon hosted by the President at State Lodge Kisumu, Oburu appeared to justify Ruto’s increasingly assertive tone in the political arena.
His remarks come at a time when leaders across the divide have been trading accusations publicly, fuelling concerns about escalating political divisions.
“Mr President, I know that you have been abused for a long time and you kept those guns. I didn’t know you were keeping them somewhere,” Oburu said, in remarks that drew attention and light reactions from leaders present.
“Now that you have released them, people are crying. I don’t know why, when it is you being attacked, it’s okay, when you are also releasing your arsenal, now they are saying it’s very unpresidential?” he posed.
The comments were seen as a direct response to critics who have recently accused Ruto of adopting a combative political style, particularly in his rebuttals to opponents.
Oburu’s statement framed the President’s approach as a reaction to sustained attacks rather than an unprovoked shift in tone.
Without naming specific individuals, the ODM leader suggested that there had been a double standard in how political conduct is judged, arguing that criticism intensifies when the President responds in kind.
Oburu also welcomed Ruto’s visit to the Nyanza region, expressing optimism that it would deliver tangible benefits to the area.
He praised the President for recognising the Muslim community through the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration, describing it as an important gesture of inclusion.
“I hope your visit here is going to bring a lot more and I’m very happy you have recognised the Muslim community in our region,” he added.
The luncheon brought together a cross-section of leaders from the region, including Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
His Kisumu visit is part of a broader five-day tour of the Nyanza region running from March 20 to March 24, during which he is expected to launch and inspect key development projects.
The extension of the SGR remains one of the flagship projects under focus, with the government positioning it as a game-changer for trade and transport in western Kenya.
Security has been heightened around key venues, with authorities urging calm and orderly conduct during the President’s visit.
The tour is expected to culminate in a series of public events over the weekend, where the President will address residents and officially launch projects aimed at transforming the region’s economic landscape.
