Soipan Tuya Responds To Reports That Raila Saved Ruto From Military Coup
The articles in question had cited an undisclosed source who alleged that Raila, in an exclusive interview, claimed he prevented a military coup against President Ruto, whose role includes the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Ministry of Defence under Cabinet Secretary (CS) Soipan Tuya has criticised a headline story by the Daily Nation which claimed that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga saved President William Ruto from a military coup.
In its statement, the Ministry noted with concern what it deemed as inaccurate newspaper articles in the Sunday Nation, titled, "Raila: I Saved Ruto from Military Coup" and Taifa Jumapili titled, "Nilivyozima Mapinduzi Dhidi ya Ruto."
The articles in question had cited an undisclosed source who alleged that Raila, in an exclusive interview, claimed he prevented a military coup against President Ruto, whose role includes the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
CS Soipan Tuya when she joined the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in a Joint and Combined Fire-Power Exercise at Larisoro, Samburu County on February 28, 2025. /KENYA DEFENCE FORCES
"The Ministry categorically states that the claims in the newspaper articles are false, baseless, unfounded, misleading and indeed reckless. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is a professional and apolitical institution committed to the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and service to the nation," read the statement in part.
"KDF remains unwavering in its loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and its duty to safeguard the security and well-being of Kenya and her people, free from political influence or sectarian interests."
The Ministry thus determined that the publication of the articles by Nation Media Group, based on unverified claims from an undisclosed source, is not only "irresponsible and unpatriotic" but also "a clear example of sensational reporting aimed at increasing readership rather than upholding journalistic integrity."
The Ministry concluded its statement by urging the Nation Media Group to uphold the principles of ethical journalism by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and responsibility in reporting, especially on matters of national security.
In the supposed exclusive interview, Nation reported that Raila stated the military's deployment during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests could have led to a scenario where the military took complete control of power.
"If the military had taken over, then Ruto would not be in power today. Once soldiers leave the barracks, they never go back," Raila allegedly told Nation, adding, "The country was on the brink. If the protests had continued the way they were, the military would have taken over, and that would have been the end of civilian rule."
The article also mentions that Raila dismissed allegations of betraying Gen Z, emphasizing that his priority was to ease tensions in the country, even if it required engaging with President Ruto, who was unpopular during the protests.
Notably, the article was published amid political uncertainty, as some questioned Raila's strategy following his Memorandum of Understanding with the President in March.
In a recent public address, the former Prime Minister dismissed calls from politicians urging him to challenge Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the funeral of veteran retired Pilot Colonel James Nguyo Gitahi in Maanzoni, Machakos County, Raila stressed that his focus remained on current issues, arguing that removing Ruto from power would not necessarily resolve the deeper challenges affecting Kenyans.
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