Ruto explains why he signed 8 bills the same day Raila died
By Paulette Mboga, October 23, 2025President William Ruto has said it was a coincidence that he signed eight bills into law on the same day opposition leader Raila Odinga passed away.
Speaking during the burial of the father of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja in Laikipia County on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Ruto dismissed claims that the timing of his official duties had any hidden meaning, insisting that he was simply doing his job as Head of State.
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Ruto said the amendments to the laws had been ongoing since 2024 and that Parliament had already completed its work, paving the way for his signature. He said that the event took place on Wednesday, the same day the country lost Raila, but it was part of his normal schedule.
“Wale wanatumia mtandao kuendesha ugaidi. We must also stand up to them and protect Kenya. Na tuseme ukweli, unajua kuna watu wanatafuta kuchafua Kenya kwa mbinu zote,” Ruto said.
“Ohhh Rais ali sign… hii sheria ilikueko amendment ilianza 2024, amendment ilifanywa na bunge. Niliamka on Wednesday kwa sababu hiyo ndio ilikuwa kazi yangu siku hiyo. Bahati mbaya tulipoteza ndugu yetu Raila siku hiyo.”
‘I was only doing my duty‘
Ruto said there was nothing unusual about signing the bills on that day, adding that the coincidence should not be used to spread unnecessary speculation. He urged Kenyans to focus on unity and truth instead of divisive politics.
“I was on duty like any other citizen. Hakuna kitu ya kuficha. Tuwachane na porojo. Let us speak what is right na Kenya itasonga mbele,” he said.
The President noted that the country needed to stay focused on progress and not allow misinformation to take root, especially on social media. He criticised those using online platforms to spread falsehoods, saying such actions only fuel division and distrust.
Ruto’s statement comes amid mixed reactions over the coincidence of events that unfolded on the day Raila Odinga died. The President maintained that his actions were purely administrative and had no link to the tragedy that befell the nation and urged Kenyans to move forward in peace and unity.