Karua argues that President Ruto may not complete his term or reach the 2027 General Election, claiming that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has left him politically exposed and more susceptible to impeachment efforts.
She maintains that Ruto understands this reality and recognises that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) can no longer be relied upon to shield him, especially due to growing divisions within the party.
The former Justice Cabinet Secretary, who was Raila’s running mate in the 2022 presidential race, said that Raila’s absence has weakened the political support Ruto once leaned on.
“Without Raila, there is no single voice or structure holding things together. Even now, he is unsure whether he can survive another year in power,” Karua is quoted by The People Daily.
She added that the stability of Ruto’s administration now largely depends on internal dynamics within ODM, warning that shifts in the party’s politics could easily trigger a government crisis.
Karua also forecast difficult times ahead for ODM itself, saying the party is likely to fragment now that Raila, whom she described as its unifying figure, is no longer alive.
“ODM will never be the same again. Baba was the glue that held it together. What we are likely to see is realignment, defections and new political formations, especially as elections approach,” she noted.
Following Raila Odinga’s death, leadership of the ODM party was assumed by his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.