ODM slams Azimio parties questioning Raila's loyalty over collaboration with govt

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has fired back at a faction of Azimio La Umoja-affiliated parties, questioning Raila Odinga's commitment to the opposition.

While defending Raila on Monday, ODM party national chairperson Gladys Wanga stated that the party members who joined Ruto's government did so as individuals, not as representatives of the party.

She noted that the president felt the individuals had the capacity to add value to his administration and help the country achieve its desired goals.

“No sane leader or political party should celebrate the collapse of the nation. As a result, when the president called on these members, the party responded to the nation's distress call and released them to serve the people of Kenya," she said.

Among those who joined Ruto’s government are former ODM Deputy Party Leaders Ali Hassan Joho (now CS for Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (CS for MSMEs and Cooperatives), former National Chairman John Mbadi (Treasury CS), former Secretary for Political Affairs James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy CS), and former National Elections Coordinating Committee member Beatrice Askul (East Africa Community and Regional Affairs CS).

Wanga reiterated that there is no formal agreement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza that would make them joint partners in government.

She, however, said that as a party, ODM will continue to play its minority role alongside other parties to push for accountability, transparency, equity, and the delivery of services to the people in a cost-effective manner.

ODM also made it clear that it would not tolerate attempts to use Raila as a scapegoat or to pressure him into supporting certain candidates, nor would it accept blame for leadership issues within other Azimio-affiliated parties.

Wanga further emphasised that ODM remains the coalition's strongest supporter of Azimio’s ideals and principles, with the highest number of MPs committed to these values. She pointed out that the majority of MPs from several other coalition parties long ago went to bed with Kenya Kwanza in Parliament.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga replaced John Mbadi as the party's national chairperson. (File)

“As a party, we will not agree to engage with anyone acting in fraudulent faith and with ulterior motives. On the matter at hand—the questioning of ODM and Raila Odinga's commitment to opposition—our partners are not acting in good faith. They are hiding behind the three gentlemen and one lady who joined the government and using it to try and wrestle the leadership of the houses of Parliament from ODM. We find that unacceptable. We wish to reiterate the obvious: House leadership is about numbers in the house, not those in government,” she said.

“ODM has borne the highest brunt in terms of casualties—people killed, maimed, or wounded while expressing opposition to Kenya Kwanza policies. Demonstrations did not begin this year or last year. ODM and protests are synonymous. We have borne that cross over the decades and suffered heavy casualties, all the time never apportioning any blame.”

The party further declared that they would not tolerate Raila's candidacy for the AUC chairmanship as an opportunity to make ill-intentioned remarks under the guise of well wishes or to pressure him on Azimio matters.

“Raila has earned his candidacy for AUC chairmanship. We are proud that he is the leader of our party, ODM, and our coalition, Azimio. We are grateful to the government of Kenya for standing with him. We are grateful to the many African leaders who are considering him for the position. As a party, we will only be too proud to donate Raila to the continent,” the party said.

PNU, Jubilee, and DAP-K called for the exit of ODM from the Azimio La Umoja alliance after Raila Odinga decided to collaborate with President William Ruto's government to form a broad-based administration aimed at addressing youth concerns amidst ongoing protests.

During a church service in Kirinyaga on Sunday, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka emphasised that while members have the democratic right to choose between opposition and government, he pointed out that President Ruto is running an unconstitutional government.

Kalonzo criticised the broad-based government, claiming that youth sacrifices made during anti-government protests are its foundation.

DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa also announced that the Azimio NEC would convene this week to announce key changes.

The affiliated parties further revealed that Azimio council chairperson, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, will convene a meeting to discuss the coalition's future. The parties intend to explore options to enhance the coalition's ability to oversee and hold the Kenya Kwanza administration accountable.

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni accused ODM of having double standards, which he said contradicts the spirit of the 2010 Constitution. He noted that some leaders continue to invoke retired President Uhuru's name to legitimise themselves.

Kioni argued that President Ruto's co-optation of more opposition leaders is part of the broad-based government's design to further oppress Kenyans.

AUC chair candidate Raila Odinga visited DRC President Felix Tshisekedi in August to seek endorsement for his AUC chair bid. (Photo: X/Raila Odinga)