ODM is Running Govt- UDA MP Claims
The political arena is experiencing a dramatic transformation as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has finally conceded that it is part of the government, putting an end to weeks of denial and conflicting messages.
This acknowledgment follows the cancellation of an Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition meeting, which was to be led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta but was shunned by ODM members.
The repercussions have been significant, with five ODM members, who recently joined President William Ruto’s Cabinet, creating substantial divisions within the opposition.
These fractures have led to calls for the dissolution of the coalition, which was originally established to contest Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition during the 2022 elections.
For weeks, ODM leaders and their allies had firmly denied the party’s involvement in the government. However, recent comments from key party figures reveal a notable shift in their position.
UDA MP Geoffrey Ruku and Senator Richard Onyonka, who were previously critical of Ruto’s policies, now openly recognize ODM’s role in the government.
On Citizen TV on Tuesday, Onyonka rejected the idea that ODM had simply “donated” its members to the government.
“ODM is in government. It’s no longer just a rumor. As an oversight officer, it’s challenging to navigate this situation as I still need to oversee the government, including our members like John Mbadi,” Onyonka said.
Ruku reinforced this view, highlighting the importance of ODM’s role by pointing out President Ruto’s decision to assign the Treasury portfolio to John Mbadi.
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“ODM is running the government. It is part of the government. As many of you know, the Treasury is a critical component of any government globally. Whether it’s the Kenyan or the US government, the Treasury plays a key role in managing government affairs. The PSS and other CSs line up at the Treasury,” Ruku asserted.
The debate over ODM’s involvement in the government has caused turmoil within the opposition.
The canceled Azimio Council meeting, intended to address the party’s role in the government, has exacerbated tensions.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was to lead the meeting, was compelled to switch to a virtual format after ODM members opted out.
Other significant Azimio-affiliated parties, including Wiper, Jubilee, DAP-K, Kanu, and PNU, were prepared to attend.
However, ODM’s unexpected press conference, led by chairperson Gladys Wanga, caused a stir. Wanga and other ODM officials claimed they were unaware of the Azimio meeting and warned against efforts to remove Raila Odinga from the coalition’s leadership.
The public clash between Kenyatta’s allies and ODM has escalated into a major crisis, with Odinga’s faction accusing the former president of seeking reconciliation with Ruto and undermining the opposition’s position.
ODM’s claim that only the Azimio Council’s secretary-general, Junet Mohamed, has the authority to call coalition meetings has further intensified the discord.
As the situation evolves, the true nature of ODM’s role in the government continues to be a contentious issue.
The political dynamics within the coalition have shifted, raising questions about the future of both ODM and the broader Azimio la Umoja coalition.
ODM is Running Govt- UDA MP Claims
