Police brutality: Cracks emerge in Ruto-Raila alliance

By Wanderi Kamau

Signs of deepening strain between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have begun to surface, triggered by a growing wave of police brutality during recent public protests.

The fragile unity formed under their broad-based political alliance appears to be faltering, with some of Raila’s key allies openly condemning the State over excessive use of force by security agencies.

The latest tension stems from the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a street vendor who sold face masks, by police officers during Tuesday’s protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District.

The incident has fueled a public outcry and intensified scrutiny on the police’s handling of demonstrators, following closely on the heels of the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’, who allegedly died in police custody last Saturday at Nairobi Central Police Station.

Leading the charge against the State are two senior ODM politicians—Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suba South MP Millie Odhiambo—who have not minced their words in expressing their discontent.

On Wednesday, Wanga issued a strongly worded statement condemning the government’s failure to rein in police excesses.

“Today, we stand united in grief and outrage as our nation confronts a wave of police brutality, impunity and extrajudicial killing. The tragic killing of our son, Albert Ojwang’ in police custody has shaken our collective national conscience,” she said.

Wanga also mourned the death of fisherman Calvins Omondi Onditi, 36, who died under controversial circumstances at Kipasi Police Post, Mbita. Police said that he died by hanging himself.

In addition, she condemned the shooting of Philip Oketch and Gabriel Mwita Chacha – who were both young men.

“The ODM-UDA agreement explicitly prohibits extrajudicial killings. We are holding the broad-based government to this commitment. Our support for the Broad-based Government does not extend to extrajudicial killings and police brutality. We draw the line on extrajudicial executions. Illegal and unconstitutional repression is not part of the agreement,” stated Wanga.

However, Wanga controversially removed the hard-hitting statement from her social media accounts, in what Newsflash learnt were “orders from above”.

On Monday, 16 June, President Ruto revoked the appointment of George Wanga—Governor Wanga’s husband—as the chairperson of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

Newsflash is yet to independently verify if the revocation of Governor Wanga’s husband appointment is related to her recent political stand and reactions.

Through a gazette notice, Ruto confirmed Adan Haji Ali as his replacement. Wanga had been appointed to the position in January 2025, coinciding with Raila Odinga’s cooperation pact with Ruto’s administration. His profile has since been pulled from EPRA’s official website.

Dissent grows in ODM camp

Odhiambo, in a parliamentary address, condemned the police action against Kariuki, calling it “reckless and irresponsible,” and accused the officers of setting the country back despite political progress. “I have watched that clip. It is totally reckless and irresponsible what that police officer has done, and they are doing a disservice to this government. When you make 10 steps forward, they take you 50 steps backwards, yet we need to move forward as a country,” she said.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. Photo/TVV47

Clearly disturbed, Odhiambo said she was at a loss for words when faced with constituents who repeatedly mourn the loss of young people under similar circumstances. “Let us die of natural causes, not by being killed. Ong’ondo Were, Ojwang… if we are all being killed, who will remain in Homa Bay?” she asked.

Adding to the confusion, ODM briefly released a statement attributed to Raila Odinga, blaming the State for the brutality, only to retract it shortly after.

According to a source within the party, this flip-flop reflects internal uncertainty about Raila’s continued collaboration with Ruto. “Most leaders in the party are increasingly becoming uncomfortable with the Ruto-Raila working relationship due to the ongoing police brutality against protesters,” an MP told Newsflash on condition of anonymity.

ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also taken a firm stance against the use of force by police, publicly criticizing President Ruto’s silence and inaction.

These developments indicate a growing ideological rift within ODM, with some leaders appearing increasingly detached from Raila’s rapprochement with the government.

The unease has heightened questions about the sustainability of the UDA-ODM arrangement, which was intended to usher in a new era of national unity.

Political fallout looms over 2027

Analysts argue that the public backlash over police violence could be the tipping point in the delicate political alliance. According to political analyst Martin Mwangi, the government’s failure to hold rogue officers accountable is straining the partnership.

“Ruto is in a very precarious position. State’s perceived reluctance to curb police brutality could be the make-or-break for the UDA-ODM partnership,” he said.

Mwangi warned that should Raila decide to walk away from the alliance, Ruto would be left politically exposed at a time when his administration is already grappling with internal power struggles.

“If Raila bolts out of Kenya Kwanza, Ruto will be politically exposed … his 2027 bid – which is already threatened following his fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua – will be at its worst point,” he noted.