Raila warns Kenya risks becoming a failed state over corruption
By William Muthama, August 9, 2025ODM party leader Raila Odinga has issued a stark warning that Kenya is dangerously close to collapse, urging urgent measures to tackle corruption before the country suffers the fate of failed states like Somalia and Sudan.
Speaking in Siaya on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Raila said the nation is “on the precipice” and must act decisively to avoid slipping into chaos.
“We talked yesterday and reflected on where we were last year. Kenya was at a critical point, a stage where it could easily tip over into collapse. Look at Somalia and Sudan today failed states. Kenya was at that precipice and needed emergency measures to prevent disaster,” Raila said.
The ODM leader explained that the tough decisions and compromises made in the country’s interest helped avoid immediate collapse, but cautioned that the fight for good governance must continue relentlessly.
He emphasised corruption as the biggest threat to Kenya’s development and urged that it be addressed in all corners of society.
“Corruption is like an animal we must tame,” Raila said. “It exists at every level national and county governments, procurement, revenue collection and it permeates every section of the executive. People often focus only on the executive, but corruption is deeply rooted elsewhere too.”
Raila singled out the legislature for widespread corruption, citing members of parliament involved in extortion and misusing party committees for personal gain. He also exposed corruption in the judiciary, where bribery undermines justice.
“If someone can bribe a magistrate or judge, why would they hire a lawyer? This erodes trust in our institutions,” he warned.
In a rare critique, Raila accused some media outlets of being compromised, claiming some have accepted money to distort coverage under the pretense of exposing corruption. “The media is not exempt from corruption,” he said.
Raila concluded by urging a united front against corruption in all spheres of life, stressing that without this fight, Kenya’s path to development will remain blocked.
“Unless we confront and tame this corruption, no amount of planning or reforms will yield real progress for Kenya,” he said.