We are not in talks with Ruto’s govt for any coalition - ODM

The Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement party has dismissed reports that it is currently in talks with the Kenya Kwanza regime regarding political arrangements.

In a statement on Tuesday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna expressed concerns that a narrative had been woven that ODM was desperate to join the government.

"As a party, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that we are not in negotiations with the Ruto regime for any coalition or political arrangement," Sifuna announced.

Sifuna, who is also the Senator of Nairobi, noted that some ODM members have fallen for what he termed as a campaign of lies and misinterpreted the party's stance as a licence to engage the Kenya Kwanza leadership and canvass for ministerial and/or other positions in the President William Ruto-led government.

As a result, he said any ODM member wishing to join the government will do so on their own without involving the party.

"Any ODM member who makes themselves available to join the Kenya Kwanza cabinet or any other position should know that they do so without the blessing or support of the Party," Sifuna added.

The SG emphasised that, as a party, ODM has only been seeking a national conversation preceded by the creation of the necessary environment through the implementation of certain conditions.

They include compensation to the families of the victims of extra-judicial executions and persons injured by the state since 2023, the release of all persons in custody and termination of all cases related to protests since last year.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga addresses the press after President William Ruto assented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill on July 9, 2024. (Photo: X/Raila Odinga)

Others, as listed by ODM, are the prosecution of policemen involved in shooting to kill or maim protestors and the sacking of the Nairobi Police Commander, Adamson Bungei.

In addition to that, the Senator stated that the party remains committed to its principles and the ongoing struggle for a better Kenya.

"We will continue to stand with the people and fight for the justice and reforms our nation desperately needs," Sifuna added.

Earlier this month, Raila had supported Ruto's dialogue narrative, terming it "the best way forward out of the crisis we are having today as a country."

However, the opposition leader said on Sunday that he will not engage in the national dialogue proposed by President Ruto yet, as "justice must come before talks." He emphasised that he would not engage in the dialogue unless every victim of police brutality was compensated, all protest-related cases were dismissed, and all abductees and those in jail were released.

Other demands were a revert of public healthcare insurance back to NHIF and to discard SHIF, prosecution of all security sector perpetrators who've facilitated atrocities on peaceful Kenyans, and resolution of outstanding healthcare (healthcare workers' welfare) and education (JSS Teachers) grievances.

In the letter to the Kenyan youth, Raila said he stands in solidarity with the young generation, which has led anti-government protests for over a month, and demanded the government meet the new conditions before engaging in the six-day multi-sectoral dialogue forum proposed by President William Ruto on July 9, 2024.

Raila noted that once the issues are resolved, "we can focus on a national conversation and conducted transparently in a neutral venue."

"It is my proposal that representatives for this convention should come from various sectors including youth, government, religious leaders, health care professionals, lawyers, and teachers," he added.

President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga and deputy president Rigathi Gachagua at KICC, Nairobi on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (Photo: PCS)