KDF dismisses articles claiming Raila prevented coup against Ruto

The Ministry of Defence has dismissed articles in a local daily that claimed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga played a role in preventing a military coup against President William Ruto.

In an official statement by Defence CS Soipan Tuya, the Ministry dismissed a Sunday Nation report titled "Raila: I Saved Ruto from Military Coup," along with a similar article in Taifa Jumapili headlined "Nilivyozima Mapinduzi Dhidi ya Ruto", labeling them as misleading.

"The Ministry of Defence is concerned about the inaccurate reports published in Sunday Nation," the statement read.

The articles, citing an unnamed source, claim that Raila stated in an exclusive interview that Kenya was on the brink of military rule, but his intervention prevented it.

The Ministry dismissed the claims as "false, baseless, unfounded, misleading, and reckless."

It added that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is a professional and non-partisan institution committed to the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and national service.

Additionally, the Ministry criticized Daily Nation for what it termed as sensationalizing issues of national security.

It urged the media outlet to adhere to ethical journalism principles by ensuring accuracy, fairness, and responsible reporting.

In an alleged exclusive interview, Nation reported that Raila Odinga suggested the military's deployment during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests could have escalated into a full military takeover.

"If the military had assumed control, Ruto would not be in office today. Once soldiers leave the barracks, they rarely return," Raila was quoted as saying.