Did Raila Odinga Prevent a Coup? KDF Calls Reports False and Misleading

The Ministry of Defence has strongly refuted a report by Daily Nation claiming former Prime Minister Raila Odinga prevented a military coup against President William Ruto.

In a statement issued today, the Ministry termed the article, published in Sunday Nation and Taifa Jumapili, as “false, baseless, and misleading.” The report alleged that Raila, in an exclusive interview, claimed Kenya was on the brink of military rule during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

“The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) remains a professional and apolitical institution that upholds integrity, discipline, and service to the nation,” the Ministry stated, accusing Daily Nation of sensationalizing national security matters.

According to the disputed report, Raila suggested that military deployment during the 2024 protests could have escalated into a full military takeover. “If the military had taken over, Ruto would not be in power today,” Raila allegedly told Nation, adding that Kenya was “on the brink.”

The timing of the article comes amid political uncertainty following Raila’s recent Memorandum of Understanding with Ruto. Some have questioned his political strategy, with calls for him to challenge Ruto in 2027.

During a recent address in Machakos County, Raila dismissed such calls, insisting he was focused on addressing Kenya’s immediate issues rather than removing Ruto from power.

The Defence Ministry urged media houses to uphold ethical journalism, warning against misinformation on sensitive national matters.