ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto.
President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shared a podium on Wednesday, making a clarion call for peace across the country as thousands of youths took to the streets in different counties to commemorate the tragic June 25, 2024, protests.
The two leaders whose recent political unity was forged in the aftermath of the bloody 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations were in Kilifi to attend the burial of Mzee Gideon Baya Mung'aro Snr, father to Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro.
Last year’s protests left more than 60 people dead and many more wounded.
“I am asking even those who have different opinions even during demonstrations, let us ensure they don’t turn chaotic to the extent of destroying property and disturbing peace in our nation. We have no other place to go if we destroy our country. It’s our obligation to maintain peace in Kenya,” said Dr Ruto.
Demonstrations were held in more than 20 counties.
In some regions, chaotic scenes of looting and property destruction were witnessed with protesters calling for an end to police brutality and demanded justice for those killed during the 2024 demonstrations.
The president also took the opportunity to call out leaders already positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro (left), President William Ruto (centre) and other leaders in Kilifi on June 25, 2025 at the funeral of the governor's father Mzee Gideon Baya Mung'aro Snr.
According to Dr Ruto, his current focus is on implementing development projects aimed at transforming lives through sectors such as health, agriculture, affordable housing and infrastructure.
“I want to thank Mr Odinga for agreeing to unite the country because what matters most is our nation. We don’t need to engage in daily politics. Elections happen in a day, but development is a long-term agenda,” he said.
Mr Odinga urged an end to Kenya’s chronic culture of year-round political campaigning. However, he insisted on the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations without interference from overzealous police officers.
The ODM leader also criticised opposition politicians including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka who have recently held several rallies. Mr Musyoka was among politicians who joined Wednesday’s protests in Nairobi.
“We can’t be campaigning for five years straight. We need time for peace and once elections are over, let’s wait until the appropriate time to campaign again,” said Mr Odinga.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro (left), ODM leader Raila Odinga (centre) and other leaders in Kilifi on June 25, 2025 at the funeral of the governor's father Mzee Gideon Baya Mung'aro Snr.
Coast leaders at the funeral voiced their support for a broad-based government. Led by Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, they noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration had included Coast development in its national agenda.
However, they appealed for presidential intervention on issues such as land grabbing, human-wildlife conflict in counties bordering Tsavo National Park, and access to clean water.
While outlining key ongoing projects in irrigation and infrastructure in the Coast region, President Ruto promised swift action on the pending concerns
