Crowd cheers as Ruto praises Raila for stabilising Kenya’s economy
By David Nthua, August 14, 2025President William Ruto triggered a hearty and joyful cheer from Migori locals on Thursday, August 14, 2025, when he credited ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga for Kenya’s economy.
In his message, Ruto recounted how Raila came in for him when he needed a person to stand and be counted in pushing forward the nation’s economic agenda.
Speaking to a large gathering in Migori town, the President said, “Na mimi nataka niwaeleze watu wa Migori, hii kazi nimetangaza hapa kuhusu vile tumetekeleza uchumi wa nchi, imewekwa kasi kwa sababu ya ushirikiano, urafiki na ndugu mmoja anaitwa Raila Odinga.
“Kwa sababu yeye anaelewa ya kwamba kuna utofauti mkubwa sana na plan, agenda and a program na watu hawajui mambo vile inaenda.
“Kenya hii haiwezi kujengwa na mirengo, hii Kenya itajengwa wakati kila mtu ameungana.”
Ruto explained that Raila’s willingness to work with his administration had helped accelerate certain economic programs, especially in stabilising key sectors.
He added that unity across political divides was essential if the country was to make meaningful progress in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Call for national unity
The President’s remarks were met with loud applause, chants, and ululations from the crowd, reflecting the strong support Raila enjoys in Migori County.
Many residents saw Ruto’s acknowledgement as a rare moment of political goodwill in a country often divided by fierce partisan battles.
Ruto emphasised that Kenya’s success depended on leaders putting aside political rivalry and working together for the common good.
He noted that polarisation slows down development and discourages investor confidence, while cooperation fosters a stable environment for growth.
The statement, however, sparked immediate debate online, with some praising the President for recognising Raila’s contribution, while others questioned whether the gesture was politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts pointed out that Migori, being a stronghold of the ODM leader, was a strategic place for Ruto to make such remarks.
As the event concluded, Ruto reiterated that his administration would continue engaging leaders from all political backgrounds, saying that lasting change could only be achieved through unity, trust, and collective responsibility.