In a dramatic turn of events, members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have openly admitted their party’s involvement in the government, a stark contrast to previous denials. This revelation comes amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and internal discord within the opposition ranks.
The admission follows the cancellation of a crucial Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition meeting, which was to be chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The meeting was notably boycotted by ODM members, deepening the existing rift within the coalition.
The fallout from this admission has been significant. Five ODM MPs who recently joined President William Ruto’s Cabinet have caused a schism within the opposition. These divisions have led to renewed calls to dissolve the coalition, originally formed to counter Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition in the 2022 elections.
For weeks, ODM leaders had maintained that their party was not involved in the government. However, recent statements from key ODM figures reflect a notable shift. UDA MP Geoffrey Ruku and Senator Richard Onyonka, once critics of Ruto’s administration, have now acknowledged ODM’s role in the government.
On Citizen TV, Onyonka addressed the situation candidly, saying, “ODM is in government. It’s no longer just a rumor. As an oversight officer, it’s challenging to navigate this situation because I still have to oversee the government, including our own members like John Mbadi.”
Ruku supported this view, emphasizing the significance of ODM’s involvement, particularly with President Ruto appointing John Mbadi to the Treasury. “ODM is running the government. The Treasury is a critical component of government operations. Whether it’s the Kenyan government or the U.S. government, the Treasury plays a vital role in managing government affairs,” Ruku asserted.
The revelation has thrown the opposition into disarray. The cancelled Azimio Council meeting, intended to address ODM’s role, only intensified the crisis. Former President Kenyatta, who was supposed to lead the meeting, had to switch to a virtual format after ODM members refused to attend.
While representatives from other Azimio-affiliated parties, such as Wiper, Jubilee, DAP-K, Kanu, and PNU, were prepared for the meeting, ODM’s unexpected press conference, led by chairperson Gladys Wanga, disrupted the proceedings. Wanga and other ODM officials claimed ignorance of the Azimio meeting and warned against any moves to remove Raila Odinga from the coalition’s leadership.
The public clash between Kenyatta’s allies and ODM has escalated into a full-blown crisis, with Odinga’s camp accusing the former president of undermining the opposition and pushing for reconciliation with Ruto. ODM’s assertion that only the Azimio Council’s secretary-general, Junet Mohamed, has the authority to convene meetings has further exacerbated the divide.
As the situation evolves, the question of ODM’s true role in the government remains a hot topic. The shifting political dynamics within the coalition have left many speculating about the future of both ODM and the broader Azimio la Umoja coalition.
