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PLO Lumumba faults Ruto and Raila over national priority focus
11th August, 2025 12:10 PM
Good governance advocate and lawyer PLO Lumumba has challenged President William Ruto, ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, and other leaders to avoid misplacing Kenya’s priorities.
Speaking to a local radio station on Monday, August 11, 2025, Lumumba expressed concern over the current political discourse, saying it often distracts from addressing the real needs of citizens.
Lumumba specifically criticised Raila’s recent call for a national conclave to discuss Kenya’s issues.
He argued that such proposals were unnecessary if the country’s leaders simply adhered to the constitution and the rule of law.
Call for constitutional adherence
“The same people we voted to solve our issues are the same people who are saying we need a conclave.
“A conclave is a meeting of cardinals held by Catholic bishops to elect a pope. My own view is, we just need one simple thing.
“Implement the constitution and obey the law. If you do that, you don’t need BBI, you don’t need NADCO, you don’t need a conclave,” he said.
He added that Kenya’s challenges could be addressed more effectively through straightforward governance rather than complex political arrangements.
Lumumba noted that proposals like BBI and other forums have often consumed resources and attention without delivering lasting solutions.
Urging a national conversation
“Perhaps what this country needs is a national conversation that has one agenda — let us save ourselves from the hole into which we are stepping,” Lumumba suggested.
He warned that the political climate in Kenya gives the impression of a constant election period.
“When you come to Kenya today and read a newspaper, you would think the election is two weeks away,” he said.
Lumumba urged leaders to focus on economic stability, service delivery, and the welfare of ordinary citizens rather than prolonged political contests.
He argued that such a shift in focus would strengthen national unity and rebuild public trust in government institutions.
His remarks come at a time of heightened political activity, with various groups pushing different agendas ahead of the next general election.
Lumumba’s position reflects a growing call from sections of the public for a return to constitutional principles as the guiding framework for governance.
