By THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially distanced itself from any discussions about forming a Government of National Unity with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). In a press statement, Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna clarified that ODM had not engaged in talks with UDA but has been advocating for a national conversation to address various pressing issues.
“A narrative has been woven that ODM is desperate to join the government when all along we have been clear that what we seek is a national conversation preceded by the creation of the necessary environment through the implementation of… conditions,” Sifuna stated.
He further mentioned that some ODM members might have misunderstood the party’s intentions, leading them to believe that the party was eager to join the Kenya Kwanza government. Sifuna’s statement seemed to specifically refer to two prominent ODM leaders, deputy party leaders Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, who have been engaging with Kenya Kwanza and within ODM to secure positions reportedly offered to Raila Odinga in a proposed GNU that President Ruto described as a “broad-based government.”
Raila Odinga has faced significant opposition within the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance regarding any association with the current regime. It was speculated that Raila had approved the disruption of Kalonzo Musyoka’s speech at ODM headquarters to prevent the broadcast of a joint statement that conflicted with ODM’s interests at the time.
Raila’s frustration was compounded by the re-nomination of Prof. Kithure Kindiki to the Internal Security docket, despite Raila’s desire to see him removed from the Cabinet entirely. This realization echoed past experiences, like in the Nusu Mkate government, where Raila perceived himself as an equal partner but was treated as a junior partner while President Mwai Kibaki wielded substantial influence over government affairs, and influenced Ruto to start his rebellion within ODM.
ODM’s statement outlined its conditions for engaging with the Ruto government, emphasizing:
- Compensation for families of victims of extrajudicial executions and persons injured by the state last year.
- Release of all individuals in custody and termination of all cases related to protests since last year.
- Prosecution of police officers involved in shooting, killing, or maiming protestors.
- Sacking of Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei.
Despite the official stance, ODM stalwarts have been openly campaigning for positions in the government. Prominent figures such as Chairman John Mbadi, Joho, and Oparanya have been actively seeking slots within the administration. This push for government appointments has been met with criticism, with party activists like Wafula Buke advising against joining the regime.
Sifuna reiterated that ODM remains committed to the “ongoing struggle to address the longstanding governance issues as very ably pointed out by Gen Z.” He emphasized that the way forward is through “an honest, all-inclusive National Conversation,” echoing Raila Odinga’s statement from July 9, 2024.
The recent statement follows a period of intense deliberation for Raila Odinga, who had exhibited signs of willingness to join President William Ruto’s government in a Government of National Unity. Raila’s approach included sending out his lieutenants to gauge public sentiment before finalizing his position on collaborating with Ruto. Last weekend, party Chairman John Mbadi criticized Siaya Governor James Orengo for advising against joining the administration.
Analysts have observed that ODM politicians seem eager to capitalize on any opportunity to advance their interests within the government. Figures like Junet Shekh, Joho, Mbadi, and Oparanya have been campaigning for government appointments, often prioritizing personal gain over serving the electorate, while citizens continue to protest government excesses and corruption.