Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has addressed the recent cabinet nominations made by President William Ruto, which included four members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 25, 2024, Odinga emphasized that despite these nominations, there is no formal coalition agreement between ODM or the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party and Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
No Coalition Agreement in Place
Odinga acknowledged the nominations but maintained a clear distinction between individual appointments and party alliances. He stated,
“I have taken note of President William Ruto’s announcement yesterday regarding the reconstitution of the cabinet to include four members from ODM. As articulated in our statement on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, neither the ODM Party nor Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has entered into any coalition agreement with President Ruto’s UDA party.”
Well Wishes for Nominees
The ODM leader extended his best wishes to the nominees, which include Hassan Joho for Mining, Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives, John Mbadi for Treasury, and Opiyo Wandayi for Energy. Odinga expressed confidence in their abilities, saying
“We extend our best wishes to the nominees and trust that they will contribute positively to national development.”
Call for National Dialogue and Reforms
However, Odinga also used this opportunity to reiterate his party’s commitment to addressing broader national issues. He called for an expedited national dialogue, as proposed by President Ruto, to address concerns raised during recent protests.
Odinga outlined specific demands, including:
1. Compensation for families of victims of extra-judicial executions and persons injured by the state since last year.
2. Release of all persons in custody and termination of cases related to protests since last year.
3. Prosecution of police officers involved in shooting to kill or maim protesters.
Reaffirmation of ODM’s Principles
Odinga concluded by reaffirming ODM’s core principles:
“ODM remains steadfast in upholding its foundational principles of democracy, good governance, and social justice. These principles shall at all times guide our actions and decisions as we strive for the betterment of our nation.”
