Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga shed new light on the behind-the-scenes intervention by Uhuru Kenyatta that led to a collaboration between himself and President William Ruto. He was speaking at the funeral of Mzee Chirchir Masit.
Odinga disclosed that amidst the tumultuous period of anti-government demonstrations, primarily led by Kenya’s Gen Z population, Kenyatta took a stance to quell the rising tensions.
“When the country was burning, former President Kenyatta called me and asked me to reach out to President Ruto to find a solution to the issues being raised by Gen Zs,” Odinga revealed. He added, “We talked, and I told him my thoughts and how to deal with the situation.”
Clarifying the Nature of Collaboration
The ODM leader was quick to dispel rumors of a formal coalition, emphasizing the limited scope of his involvement.
“I am not in government. We never agreed with Ruto that we should have a coalition government,” Odinga clarified.
He explained that his role was more advisory in nature, stating,
“He requested me to help him identify people from my side to serve in his administration. I did exactly that.”
Strategic Appointments and Political Implications
President Ruto’s decision to appoint key figures from Odinga’s camp to significant government positions has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Notable appointments include:
– Ali Hassan Joho as Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
– Wycliffe Oparanya to the MSMEs docket
– John Mbadi to the Treasury
– Opiyo Wandayi to the Ministry of Energy
These appointments, involving top members of Odinga’s ODM party, have been defended by President Ruto as an effort to create a “broad-based government” that transcends political affiliations.
