Raila Odinga to miss Ruto’s inauguration

Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister and Azimio presidential candidate, has stated that he will not attend President-elect William Ruto's inauguration because he is out of the country dealing with'serious concerns.'

Odinga stated that he had received an invitation letter and a phone call from William Ruto to attend the inauguration ceremony at Kasarani tomorrow, but that his schedule would not permit him to do so.

“This evening, I received a letter and a telephone call from H.E Dr. William Ruto inviting me to his inauguration set for tomorrow, September 13, 2022. I regret however that I will not be available for the inauguration because I am out of the country and I also have other serious concerns,” Odinga said in a statement.

Odinga also stated that while he accepts the Supreme Court's decision because he believes in the rule of law, he is not yet satisfied with it.

“First, I believe that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the body in charge of our elections, did not conduct a free and fair election. Secondly, I believe that the ruling of the Supreme Court was not based on the facts and the law, even though we accepted it,” Odinga said.

“We can only do so if we reform and transform the key institutions that are charged with protecting and advancing our democracy. In the meantime, I applaud and thank our supporters and Kenyans who came out in large numbers to vote for us on August 9, 2022,” he added.

Odinga stated that when he returns to Kenya, he and the leaders of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party will announce their next steps in efforts to deepen and strengthen Kenya's democracy.