Raila allies tell Uhuru to retire gracefully, back Ruto’s health reforms

The Movement Defence for Democracy (MDD), a splinter group within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, has fired a warning shot at former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of resurfacing to undermine his successor William Ruto’s flagship Social Health Authority (SHA) programme.

Addressing a high-energy ODM youth meeting in Mombasa, ahead of the historic 20th anniversary celebrations of the party, MDD leaders Victor Marende, Fred Makajos, John Mukoya, and Fidel Castro dismissed Uhuru’s remarks at the recent Jubilee Party delegates convention as a calculated attempt to sabotage reforms meant to transform Kenya’s healthcare system.

The leaders urged the former Head of State to “retire honourably” and refrain from active politics, reminding him that the Linda Mama programme he is championing was neither sustainable nor inclusive compared to the comprehensive reforms President Ruto is pushing under SHA.

MDD further rallied its youth base and political allies to throw their weight behind the Raila Odinga–Ruto broad-based agenda, describing it as the only political formula capable of uniting Kenya and steering the nation towards stability and prosperity.

At the same time, the movement put Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua on notice, accusing him of persistently dragging Mr. Odinga’s name into the mud over Kalonzo Musyoka’s failed presidential bid.

They termed Gachagua’s rhetoric as reckless and diversionary, warning that constant attacks on the ODM chief will not deter the quest for a broad-based political realignment.

With the ODM anniversary fast approaching, MDD vowed to remain the frontline force in defending democracy, amplifying youth voices, and shaping the political destiny of Kenya.

"Ni mikono safi ya Ruto na mikoni safi ya Raila Odinga ndio walisalimiana…sio mikono ya watu wanaongea chuki…and as ODM we have seen fruits of broad-based government," said Marende.

Makajos, on his part, noted: "As at now the ODM and UDA and the Kenya Kwanza coalition is one team and is working to ensure the political stability of this country and we have development for the country which is equally distributed fairly across the country."