Political mischief? Senator Nyutu challenges ODM’s alliance with government
He argued that the core issue should not be who the majority is, but rather who the minority is in the current political landscape.
Murang'a Senator and Former Education Committee Chair Joe Nyutu has raised concerns about ODM's alliance with the government, purporting that the opposition party is working closely with Kenya Kwanza.
Speaking in an interview, Nyutu criticised the ongoing political developments surrounding the High Court's rulings on majority and minority parties in the National Assembly.
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The senator suggested that the ruling would not have been binding for Kenya Kwanza due to the coalition's ability to quickly manoeuvre and maintain its majority status.
He argued that the core issue should not be who the majority is, but rather who the minority is in the current political landscape.
Further, Nyutu pointed out that ODM, despite its working relationship with the government, is still taking leadership positions in key oversight committees, something he argued should be reserved for opposition members.
"ODM is already working with Kenya Kwanza, so they should solidify their partnership, bringing ODM and other parties together to form a super-majority. Those excluded from the coalition would then make up the minority," he said.
Nyutu further questioned the integrity of ODM's actions, accusing the party of being dishonest about its political position.
"ODM has not been very honest with itself. It's a party working with the government while taking key oversight leadership positions," he said.
The senator also raised broader questions about Kenya's political alliances, urging Kenyans to reflect on why parties only form coalitions with the government side, instead of the opposition.
He questioned the motivations behind such alliances, suggesting that there may be incentives offered to opposition parties for joining the government side.
"What motivates parties to only join the government side? Are there incentives being offered to opposition parties?" Nyutu questioned, pointing to a pattern he described as political mischief.
Speculation surrounding the ODM party and its role in the government has stirred controversy among political leaders, with some calling out the party's double-dealing approach.
While certain ODM members have collaborated with the government, others have strongly opposed any claims of the party being part of the ruling coalition.
Leaders such as Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera have voiced concerns, criticising the party's perceived shift towards a broader-based government.
Amisi emphasised that unless ODM leader Raila Odinga clarifies the party's position upon his return from his AU engagements, it risks division. He warned that without clear communication, ODM could be torn between those supporting the government and those maintaining opposition ties.
Suba North MP and Minority Whip at the National Assembly, Millie Odhiambo, weighed in, categorically stating that ODM is not part of the government.
While acknowledging cooperation with the ruling administration, she stressed that the party has not signed any coalition agreements and remains legally separate from the government.
"It is a legal fact that ODM is not part of the government. We may be cooperating, but we are not in the government," she said.
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