NAIROBI, Kenya – In a stunning revelation, Siaya Member of Parliament and ardent Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) loyalist, Hon. Peter Kaluma, has claimed that opposition leader Raila Odinga and his party made a “difficult yet patriotic” decision to prevent Kenya from descending into military rule amid the 2024 anti-government protests.
Kaluma’s statement, posted on his official social media accounts, suggests that ODM intervened at a critical moment when public uprisings—led largely by Gen Z activists—threatened to create a constitutional crisis that could have seen the military seize power.
The Gen Z Uprising and the Looming Crisis
The MP’s remarks reference the widespread protests that erupted in June 2024 following President William Ruto’s controversial Finance Bill. Initially, demonstrators demanded the bill’s rejection, but the movement quickly escalated into calls for Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, to resign—popularized by the slogan “Kufa Driver (Ruto), Kufa Makanga (Gachagua)” (If the driver dies, the conductor dies too).
Kaluma argues that had both offices been vacated, the Constitution would have mandated the Speaker of the National Assembly to assume power for 90 days, after which fresh elections would be required. However, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) effectively non-functional at the time, organizing elections would have been impossible.
“What would happen after 90 days? Who takes over? The military would take over, with the consequence that the Constitution would be ousted, and Kenya would plunge straight into military rule,” Kaluma stated.
ODM’s “Patriotic Decision” to Stabilize Kenya
According to Kaluma, ODM—under Raila Odinga’s leadership—made a strategic choice to avoid this scenario by stepping back from full-scale resistance, thereby preventing a complete power vacuum.
“We in ODM made the patriotic, difficult, and conscious decision to save Kenya from going this direction,” he declared, framing the opposition’s actions as a sacrifice for national stability.
This narrative positions Raila Odinga not just as a political figure but as a stabilizing force who averted chaos—a claim likely to stir debate among supporters and critics alike.
Historical Precedents: Could Kenya Have Faced Military Rule?
Kenya has no history of military coups, unlike some of its neighbors. However, the 2024 protests marked one of the most severe challenges to civilian authority in decades. Analysts have previously warned that prolonged instability, coupled with institutional weaknesses, could create conditions for extra-constitutional interventions.
Dr. Macharia Munene, a political historian, notes that while Kenya’s military has traditionally remained apolitical, extreme scenarios—such as a complete government collapse—could force its hand.
“The military’s primary role is to protect national sovereignty. If there is a total breakdown of constitutional order, they may feel compelled to step in,” Munene explained in an earlier interview.
Kaluma’s statement implies that ODM recognized this risk and acted to prevent it—though critics may question whether the party overstates its influence in the crisis.
Public Reaction: Praise and Skepticism
The MP’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions. ODM supporters have lauded Raila as a “savior,” while critics accuse the party of rewriting history to justify its political maneuvers.
“If ODM truly ‘saved’ Kenya, why did they later join government? This sounds like an attempt to rebrand their compromises as heroism,” tweeted political analyst Kevin Boito.
Meanwhile, Gen Z activists—many of whom viewed ODM as an ally in their protests—have expressed frustration, arguing that the opposition failed to capitalize on the momentum for meaningful change.
Raila Odinga’s Next Move: Statesman or Kingmaker?
Raila Odinga has long positioned himself as a champion of democracy, and Kaluma’s narrative reinforces this image. However, with the former prime minister now engaging in bipartisan talks with Ruto’s government, some wonder whether he is transitioning into a statesman role rather than a direct challenger.
“Raila is playing the long game. He knows that outright confrontation could backfire, so he’s choosing strategic influence over radical opposition,” a senior ODM insider told k47 digital news team on condition of anonymity.
Could Military Rule Still Be a Threat?
While Kaluma’s warning may seem dramatic, experts caution that Kenya’s political stability should not be taken for granted. Weak institutions, economic pressures, and deep public disillusionment with the political class remain potent risks.
“The Gen Z movement showed how quickly public anger can escalate. If leaders don’t address underlying grievances, the country could face even greater turmoil,” warned governance expert Prof. Karuti Kanyinga.
Conclusion: A Calculated Narrative or Genuine Patriotism?
Kaluma’s statement is more than just a defense of ODM’s actions—it’s a calculated political narrative designed to reshape public perception of Raila Odinga’s legacy. Whether Kenyans accept this version of events depends largely on their trust in the opposition and their view of the 2024 protests’ ultimate outcome.
One thing is certain: as Kenya navigates its complex political future, the debate over who truly “saved” the nation—and at what cost—is far from over.
