Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said that a section of politicians is taking advantage of the current upheavals to advance their 2027 general election ambitions.

Speaking during the national executive retreat in Karen on Friday, June 20, 2025, Raila observed that while some are praying for stability and peace, the other leaders are bent on creating more turmoil in the country.

“The country has seen upheavals in recent days. While there are those praying for more of such turmoil as a possible path to power, there are millions of others working and praying for the nation to overcome, stand and thrive, no matter our political differences.” Raila stated.

Solution-based politics

During the high-level cabinet retreat in Karen, the ODM Party leader has challenged leaders to provide solutions to the current challenges in the country that have threatened to plunge the nation into chaos.

“My position is that leaders are put in place for difficult times to help turn the tide by providing solutions. We are put in place to merely flow with the current,” Raila said.

He hailed the recently passed 2025/2026 budget as progressive in terms of the government’s response to pressing issues affecting members of the public.

“In the 2025/26 budget, we have seen an attempt by the government to address the concerns that led to the upheaval in the last financial year,” Raila observed.

“Going forward, the government must look into more avenues for more responses to the burdens of the people. This the government must do, not in order to be popular or to win the next election, but because it is the right thing to do.”

Inclusive development agenda

Additionally, the former Prime Minister urged the government to prioritise development in all regions in the country, despite how they voted, to achieve cohesion and peace in the future.

“Government programs must never leave anyone or any region behind, regardless of how people voted in the last elections. Pursuing an inclusive development agenda is a strong basis for the peace and stability of the nation,” Raila said.

“The persistent question all government officers must always ask is: ‘Might we be leaving any part of Kenya behind as we implement programs?” he remarked.

Present during the retreat were Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries and the head of Public Service Felix Koskei, among other senior state officials.