Nairobi, Kenya| The Ministry of Defence has strongly refuted claims published in the Daily Nation alleging that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga intervened to prevent a military coup against President William Ruto.
In a forceful statement issued on Monday, the Ministry dismissed the report as “false, baseless, unfounded, misleading, and reckless,” accusing the newspaper of relying on “unverified claims from an anonymous source.”
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to the Commander-in-Chief and underscored its commitment to upholding national security and constitutional order.
The Ministry denounced any suggestion of military interference in governance, reiterating that the KDF remains a professional and apolitical institution.
The Allegations and the Defence Ministry’s Response
The controversy stemmed from an article in the Daily Nation, which reportedly cited an undisclosed source claiming that Raila Odinga, in an exclusive interview, had stated that he played a crucial role in averting an attempted military coup against President Ruto.
While the newspaper did not provide concrete evidence to substantiate the claims, the report gained traction on social media, prompting swift condemnation from the Defence Ministry.
In its statement, the Ministry categorically denied the existence of any coup attempt and criticized the publication for spreading what it described as misinformation that could undermine public confidence in the military.
It urged the public to disregard such reports, emphasizing that the stability of the country’s defence apparatus remains intact.
“The articles which cite an undisclosed source allege that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in an exclusive interview, claimed he prevented a military coup against His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces,” the Ministry’s statement read.
“These claims are completely false and should not be given any credibility.”
A Political and Media Firestorm
The allegations have sparked widespread debate, with political observers questioning the credibility of the report and its potential implications.
Raila Odinga, a longtime opposition figure and a key player in Kenyan politics, has yet to comment on the claims attributed to him.
Meanwhile, the Daily Nation has not publicly responded to the Defence Ministry’s rebuke, leaving questions about the authenticity of the story and the sources behind it.
The situation also raises broader concerns about media responsibility and the verification of sensitive political and security-related information before publication.
Kenya’s media landscape is known for its vibrancy and freedom, but the dissemination of unverified reports—especially those touching on national security—can have serious consequences.
The Role of the Military in Kenya’s Political Landscape
Kenya has historically maintained a professional and politically neutral military, with no record of military coups since its independence in 1963.
The KDF operates under strict constitutional guidelines that bar its involvement in partisan politics.
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The Defence Ministry’s firm response reflects a broader effort to maintain this tradition and prevent any narratives that could suggest political interference within the armed forces.
The allegations also emerge in a politically charged environment, where speculation and misinformation can easily fuel tensions.
Analysts note that the Kenyan military’s reputation for professionalism has been a cornerstone of the country’s democratic stability, making any claims of military involvement in politics highly sensitive.
What Next…
The Defence Ministry’s strong response to the Daily Nation report underscores the government’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the Kenya Defence Forces.
While the allegations remain unverified, the incident highlights the critical role of responsible journalism in shaping public discourse on national security matters.
As the situation unfolds, clarity from both Raila Odinga and the Daily Nation may be necessary to address lingering uncertainties surrounding the report.
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