Raila to Rule from the Shadows? Senator Claims ODM Leader Will Be More Powerful Than Ruto
Murang’a County Senator Joe Nyutu believes that if Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga joins the government, he could become even more influential than President William Ruto.
During an interview on Citizen TV on Monday, March 3, the senator expressed that Ruto seems to have no alternative strategy apart from working with Raila. This reliance, according to Nyutu, makes Ruto more susceptible to Raila’s influence.
“I strongly believe Raila is on the verge of being made a co-president. In fact, if this arrangement happens, he will not just share power but will actually be more dominant than President Ruto,” Nyutu remarked.
He further elaborated, “At this point, Ruto appears to have no other option except to depend on Raila. This means that whatever Raila demands, he is likely to receive from the president.”
Nyutu also noted that bringing Raila into the government would be crucial for Ruto in an attempt to win back supporters who have shifted their allegiance to the opposition.
Currently, Raila has not declared whether he will align with the government or remain in the opposition.
Meanwhile, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga disclosed on Monday, March 3, that Raila is in the final stages of consulting with his supporters across the country to determine his political direction as the 2027 elections approach.
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“As of now, ODM and Kenya Kwanza have no formal written agreement. Since returning, Raila has been consulting his supporters to seek their opinions on the best way forward. Once he completes these discussions, he will present his findings to the party’s leadership for a decision,” Wanga stated.
She also acknowledged that ODM members are currently working within the government, making the situation complex. “We cannot ignore the fact that some ODM members are already in the executive. At the same time, we see the former Deputy President and others urging Raila to make up his mind. We are taking all these factors into consideration to determine which path aligns best with our party’s values.”
Despite maintaining a working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration, Raila has continued to challenge President Ruto’s government, seemingly in an effort to maintain neutrality.
On Sunday, March 3, while speaking in Mombasa, the ODM leader demanded compensation for victims affected by past political protests, specifically those injured during the Azimio demonstrations in 2023 and the Gen Z protests last year.
“Young people who were injured and families who lost their loved ones during the 2023 Azimio protests and last year’s Gen Z protests deserve compensation,” Raila stated.
He added, “These are the conditions we are putting forward. However, the most important thing is ensuring such tragic incidents do not happen again in our country.”
Raila to Rule from the Shadows? Senator Claims ODM Leader Will Be More Powerful Than Ruto
