BY THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER
After prevaricating and giving conflicting signals since meeting President William Ruto on July 9th, ODM Leader Raila Odinga finally joined the Kenya Kwanza government by sending his top lieutenants to be appointed CSs. Reactions to the announcement of what President Ruto called a ‘broad-based government” that included four ODM politicians then came fast with many condemning the partnership between ODM and UDA.
Upto last night, the ODM leader had not given any direct indications that he was joining the government, and his party secretary general issued a statement distancing the party from any talks to join the government, although his known associates had gone public about it, declaring that they had every right to talk to and join the Ruto administration. But Raila’s final move of sending his top lieutenants into the Ruto government has left many agape at what could have driven the change of mind to join a government he has condemned since its elections. But while the share he got in the government was only a small piece of the pie – four ministries out of 22 – Raila’s people seemed happy. But not his former allies.
Gitobu Imanyara, one of Raila’s allies and friend sine their Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Ford-Kenya days, said; “Raila Odinga’s ODM party has, by accepting to join Ruto’s collapsing regime, betrayed everything that the Gen Z revolution stands for. ODM Deputy Party leaders Hassan Ali Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya and ODM National Chairman John Mbadi together with their National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi (ODM) think they can slow down or subvert Kenyans’ determination to forge ahead and realise the vision and mission of our Constitution. They will fail most miserably. They are traitors.”
Kivutha Kibwana, the immediate former Makueni Governor and anti-Moi activist said; “Raila you are no longer BABA. The GENZEE-MILLENNIAL MOVEMENT is now the OFFICIAL OPPOSITION. Now you are in your fourth -Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru & Ruto – handchequeshake. Always hid in plain sight. May the blood and tears of the young haunt you all your life.”
Boniface Mwangi, an activist who has bene at the forefront of the recent demonstrations, said; “@RailaOdinga are you saying these young men were murdered so that you, and your friends could get jobs? They died for a better Kenya, that’s free of bad leadership, corruption, tribalism and hand cheque politics. This level of betrayal is unforgivable. We shall not forget.”