Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has continued to defend his move to join forces with his long-term arch rival President William Ruto.

Speaking during an Iftar dinner in Upper Hill on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Raila defended his decision stating that Kenya is bigger than an individual, therefore, he is ready to do whatever it takes to ensure peace, unity and development prevails in the country.

He also highlighted that Kenya was once in dark days following the abscence of democracy, however, his efforts alongside others made it possible for the country to move a step forward towards achieving it.

The ODM leader, however, acknowledged the shortcomings with the country’s state of democracy, assuring Kenyans that it is a project in progress.

“Kenya imetoka mbali, kutoka pale tulikua na majaribio mengi katika taifa letu, lakini kila mara mimi husema Kenya ni muhimu kuliko mtu binafsi, mpaka tutetee Kenya, kule tumetoka ni mbali, watu wameshikwa wakawekwa ndani bila kupelekwa mahakamani, wengine walikua wanapelekwa Nyayo House na kuingizwa kwa maji na kupigwa mawiki kama wako huko ndani. Hayo yote sisi tulimaliza, sasa wakati huu mtu akishikwa anapelekwa mahakamani, kwa hivyo tumechukua hatua, tumeenda, lakini demokrasia si kama kahawa, yenye unapika na kunywa saio, ni process two steps forward, one step backwards; we are still advancing,” he said.

Additionally, the ODM leader told off critics disputing his merge with Ruto noting that regardless of how long it will take, the country has to forge forward. He asserted that this can only be achieved by working together with the Kenya Kwanza regime and delivering promises to the people.

Beaming with optimism over his decision, Raila went on to state that he will not be deceived as he is aware of where he is headed to following the decision.

While subtly taking a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his stances on restricting his access to State House, Raila dismissed the possibility of working with the former DP saying he does not associate with hypocrites.

He equally urged Kenyans to unite and support his decision for the country’s progress.

“Kuna mambo mengi yamebaki tunataka yafanyike kama mambo ya uchaguzi, hatujafika kiwango ambayo tunafanya uchaguzi free and fair, lakini wakati itafika, kwa hio mpaka sisi sote tusacrifice, tumefika hapa, sio mahali tungependa kua hapo, lakini nchi lazima iende mbele. Tuna hakika ya kwamba tutafika pale tunataka kuenda sababu naambia watu wetu tusimame pamoja, hatua tumechukua tunajua. Hatuezi kudanganywa, tunajua pale tunataka kuenda; tunaambia watu wetu wasimame imara, nina hakika tutafika, lakini hatutaki unafiki, ya mtu ambaye anasema yeye ameeka mtego, sasa wale wameeka mtego ndio imewashika,” Raila added.