Activist Boniface Mwangi has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto of hypocrisy as they mourned Raila Odinga, saying both leaders were responsible for vilifying him during his lifetime.
In a message shared on X, Mwangi reflected on Raila’s political life, describing him as a man who lived with purpose and left an unforgettable mark on Kenya and beyond.
Mwangi said Raila Amolo Odinga was admired and hated in equal measure because he “stood for something,” adding that such conviction defined his long career in politics.
“You can never be loved or hated if you stand for nothing. Raila Amolo Odinga stood for something,” he wrote.
The activist revisited Raila’s years of struggle, noting that he endured detention and torture for fighting for democracy and justice.
He accused Uhuru and Ruto of funding propaganda and smear campaigns through British firms Cambridge Analytica and BTP Advisers during the 2013 and 2017 elections.
Mwangi said the campaigns were designed to destroy Raila’s reputation by spreading lies and inflaming ethnic divisions.
“They called him a mganga, a madman, and relentlessly vilified him,” he said, adding that many of Raila’s supporters faced police violence after election disputes.
Mwangi questioned how Raila managed to forgive the two leaders despite the pain and loss suffered by his followers.
He also faulted President Ruto for signing the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, just days after Raila’s death, warning that the law could be used to intimidate journalists and silence online voices.
“Ruto’s regime wants to start jailing people for memes and TikTok videos,” Mwangi said, arguing that the freedoms Raila fought for are now under threat.
Mwangi ended by urging Kenyans to continue Raila’s mission for justice and accountability.
“The rights Raila and others fought for are being taken away even before his body is laid to rest. It is now upon us to fully liberate Kenya,” he stated.
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