‘Ruto Must Go’ Chants Erupt at Raila’s Residence in Karen

Chants of ‘Ruto Must Go’ have erupted at the home of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Karen as Kenyans come to terms with his death.

In footage obtained by Samrack media, the mourners could be heard singing the chants, coming at a time when President William Ruto was at the residence to console Raila’s family.

The chants came even as the two leaders had joined hands to form a broad-based government through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), rubber stamping a partnership between their two political parties.

Raila passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 9:52am Indian time, according to a spokesperson for the hospital.

According to reports from India, his daughter and relatives were with him.

Raila had arrived at Koothattukulam in Kerala’s Ernakulam district for Ayurvedic treatment. 

The 80-year-old’s arrival in India six days ago for treatment, attracted nationwide attention as conflicting reports on his health began circulating.

After his death, a host of national and international leaders issued their condolences mourning the death of Raila. 

In his message, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Raila as a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. 

The African Union Commission (AUC), through its Chairperson, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, has joined other world leaders to mourn the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as “one of Africa’s most visionary sons”.

Elsewhere, Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, also issued a statement mourning Raila as he hailed the former Prime Minister as a towering advocate for democracy.