Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has weighed on the recent pact between President William Ruto and Raila Odinga stating that the Mt Kenya region remains unconcerned with Raila’s decision to close ranks with the government.

Speaking during a live television interview on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the outspoken politician sought to clarify the perceived unease from the region, stressing that Raila remains free to direct his political steps as he so wishes and owes nothing to the people of Mt Kenya.

The staunch ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has instead pointed an accusing finger at Ruto for betraying the constituents that rode his bid to State House courtesy of their vote-rich bloc.

“From the side I belong we have no problem with Raila Odinga entering into any agreement with Ruto. We did not vote for Raila Amollo Odinga as Mt Kenya people. Most of us did not vote for him. The major vote went with William Samoei Ruto. So Raila Odinga owes us nothing. We have no problem with him he can do whatever he wants to do. But we have a big problem with Ruto whom we voted for and who has betrayed us. It’s important that we put that clear,” he said.

The senator further delved into Raila’s absence from the government events including the ongoing Ruto’s tour across Nairobi.

The president began his tour to the capital on Monday, March 10, 2025, but despite earning the support and presence of a section of ODM legislatures in his tours, the Orange party leader has conspicuously stayed out of the trip entirely.

Nyutu termed the absence as a planned move after seeing the mounting criticism of his politics citing the heckling incident in Kisii town where the former premier was heckled by a hostile group of youths.

“Raila saw what happened on Kisii on Sunday. You know Ruto has been having rallies in Nairobi since Monday. He (Raila) has been missing in Ruto’s rally in Nairobi. He is a smart and seasoned politician who has been coping with Rigathi Gachagua lately. He has been listening to the ground and has conveniently been missing in Ruto’s rallies having grown cold feet,” he remarked.

“The youths and other people attending that football match on Sunday walked out on Raila. What were they saying? Ruto Must Go! What does that tell you? It means the Abagusii have no problem with Raila but have a problem now that he has entered into a pact.”

The comes after the senator on Sunday, February 2, 2025, urged ODM boss Raila Odinga not to align himself with President William Ruto as rumours of a potential working framework surfaced after Odinga’s loss in the AUC seat.

In his assertions, Nyutu claimed that Ruto could not be trusted and pointed to his treatment of Gachagua as an example. He stated that if Ruto could turn his back on Gachagua despite the former DP delivering over five million votes for him, Raila should be wary of suffering the same fate.

“Tushikane pamoja na Rigathi Gachagua huyu jamaa tumuondoe. For Raila Odinga, amesema atatangaza msimamo wake wiki ijayo. Raila please, you cannot share a meal with somebody who has the blood of Gen Z on his hands. Raila cannot sit at the same table with Ruto. If Ruto could con Gachagua after he brought him 5 million votes, what about Raila? Whether Raila joins us or not, that is okay, but one thing we have decided is we must take Ruto home,” Nyutu declared.