Gitile Naituli: Raila has never wanted to be president
By David Nthua, September 28, 2025Political pundit Gitile Naituli has said that Orange Democratic Movement party leader Raila Odinga has never wanted to lead Kenya.
Speaking to a local TV station on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Gitile, a seasoned political expert, also said that over time, Raila has presented himself to Kenyans as a cunning leader.
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He also said that his latest move to close ranks with President William Ruto further exposed that he has been lying to Kenyans.
“Raila has lied throughout his life. He has cheated Kenyans totally, because they accepted being cheated, because they never understood him. Right now, he has exposed himself totally,” Naituli stated during the interview.
“People know that Raila has also never wanted to be president. If he wanted, he would have been president long ago.”
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The political analyst argued that Raila’s repeated attempts at the presidency were never genuine.
According to him, the opposition chief has only used campaigns to consolidate personal influence while misleading his followers.
Naituli said that Raila’s sudden closeness with Ruto was evidence that his interest had always been self-serving.
Nyamori calls for unity ahead of 2027
Meanwhile, Joshua Nyamori, a veteran lawyer and political expert, offered a different view on the ongoing debate.
He urged the opposition to focus on unity instead of division, suggesting that working together could increase their chances in the next election.
“I believe that the best chance for both is to move to the next election as a joint group. I respect Raila, but those advising him to run against Ruto are not interested in his welfare,” Nyamori said.
His remarks pointed to a growing rift within opposition circles on whether Raila should make another attempt at the presidency or pave the way for a new candidate.
Nyamori noted that the Kenyan political landscape is changing rapidly and urged leaders to read the mood of the people.
The debate over Raila’s political future continues to generate heated reactions across the country, with his allies insisting he remains a central figure while critics say his time has passed.