Political analyst David Makali has warned that if President William Ruto turns into a dictator, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is to blame.

Makali argues that Odinga and his allies’ decision to call for anti-government demos sets a dangerous precedence that can turn the president into a dictator.

To the political analyst and communication strategist, the opposition’s mass demonstration is akin to the usurpation of power.

“I have said it before: If Ruto turns into a dictator, it will be because Raila took us there. Leadership is reciprocal and courteous: sio madharau ndogo ndogo. You lose an election and refuse to accept or try to usurp power from the winner. We must check on the government and hold it to account.

“But incessant demonstrations, defiance, disruption, or anarchy in the name of Article 37, while ignoring peaceful and constitutional arbitration mechanisms is reckless and selfish pursuit of power. The cost of living must come down, but gloating over death and destruction isn’t the way,” Makali said in a statement.

The opposition has intensified their demos claiming they are protesting against the high cost of living. Ruto is opposed to the demonstrations, arguing that they lead to the destruction of property and the loss of lives.

This week, Azimio has planned to hold a three-day protest that will run from Wednesday to Friday. There are reports of clashes between the demonstrators and the police in various streets and towns in the country.

Kindiki, Koome’s stance

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Japeth Koome had vowed to stop the opposition from conducting their rallies.

Indeed, schools in Nairobi and Mombasa Counties, regions that have experienced intense public-police clashes, have been closed as the state cited the security of the pupils and students as being at risk.

While Azimio and the Kenya Kwanza regime stand their ground, there have been calls, especially from the religious fraternity, for Ruto and Odinga to reconcile in order to ease tension in the country.

Ruto and Odinga were fierce rivals in the 2022 general elections, and the former was declared the winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Despite IEBC’s declaration and affirmation by the seven-bench Supreme Court, Odinga and his allies have maintained that they do not recognise the Kenya Kwanza government.