Renowned human rights activist and former Secretary General of the Kenya Civil Servants Union, Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity, has challenged Raila Odinga to disclose the names of those allegedly behind an attempted military coup against President William Ruto or face legal consequences for making false claims.
Odinga recently stated that he played a crucial role in preventing a coup on June 25, 2024, yet he has not provided details or evidence to support his claim. Dr. Kinity argues that such an allegation is not only alarming but also endangers the lives of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and raises concerns about political stability in the country.
Concerns Over KDF Welfare and Mysterious Helicopter Crashes
In his statement, Dr. Kinity questioned whether some KDF officers had already been silenced following the alleged coup attempt. He referenced the mysterious death of General Francis Omondi Ogolla in a helicopter crash, just days after a public warning by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
“This started as a joke, just like when Oscar Sudi sent a chilling warning to General Ogolla, and soon after, the General was dead in a helicopter crash. Up to now, the Kenyan government has failed to explain in detail the circumstances surrounding five helicopter crashes since President Ruto came to power,” Dr. Kinity stated.
He also linked the coup allegations to the ongoing frustrations within the military ranks due to low salaries, comparing KDF wages to those of neighboring countries.
“The minimum monthly salary for KDF officers is $55, while Tanzanian soldiers earn $413, Burundian soldiers $178, and Rwandan soldiers $170. Why has it taken eight months for this coup claim to surface? Is it possible that the Ruto administration is panicking over the low salaries of KDF officers and feared a reaction from them?” he posed.
A Political Strategy to Silence Dissent?
Dr. Kinity drew historical parallels, likening the situation to former President Daniel Moi’s use of the so-called Mwakenya movement, which was used to justify mass arrests, torture, and suppression of political opponents in the 1980s and 1990s.
“Could this be a deliberate strategy to create fear among KDF officers and Kenyans at large? Could the government be fabricating a coup plot to justify mass arrests and political suppression ahead of the 2027 elections?” he questioned.
Call for Transparency
Dr. Kinity warned that unless the government addresses KDF salaries and military grievances, internal tensions could escalate. He also insisted that Raila Odinga must provide concrete evidence to support his claims or face legal action for misleading Kenyans.
“If Raila Odinga has proof of an attempted coup, he should reveal the plotters. If not, he should be taken to court for making false claims that endanger national security,” he stated.
He concluded by calling for a salary review for KDF officers, arguing that their minimum wage should be raised to at least Ksh 50,000 per month to ensure fairness and stability within the military.
Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity Counselor and Human Rights Activist.
Former Secretary General, Kenya Civil Servants Union
Member, Presidential Advisory Board, Republican National Committee, USA
