ODM still in opposition; Raila insists
Raila Odinga refutes claims of any alliance between his ODM party and the government, asserting that ODM remains in opposition
Raila Odinga refutes claims of any alliance between his ODM party and the government, asserting that ODM remains in opposition.
Raila dismissed speculation about cooperation with the government during an ODM National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa on Sunday, clarifying that the party’s participation in talks was solely for national dialogue and not a political merger.
“There is no marriage between ODM and Kenya Kwanza. We have not signed any agreement. We only want a national dialogue to discuss issues affecting the country, and that conversation has not taken place. We are not in government,” Odinga firmly stated.
He emphasised that ODM’s participation in the talks was intended to address critical national issues such as high living costs and electoral reforms, but it did not imply that the party had switched allegiances from the opposition.
Raila’s remarks come in the wake of cabinet appointments that saw prominent ODM figures, including former Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and John Mbadi, take on key roles within President William Ruto’s administration.
Raila also used the platform to call for unity within ODM, urging members to keep peace and fairness as the party prepares for grassroots elections.
“Why should elections be a matter of life and death? If you really want democracy, why is it that you do not want to be defeated?” he questioned, warning against internal divisions that could undermine the party’s position in the coastal region.
My government has enrolled 12.8 million Kenyans under Universal Health Coverage; Ruto
Why I canceled Embu Church event; Ruto
Trust in the Lord on your journey! DP Gachagua leads church in song
Moses Kuria Heckled with ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants (VIDEO)
ODM lawmaker writes to the speaker seeking removal from all committees
Ruto forced to cancel Embu church event
Addressing the country’s political climate, Odinga condemned police brutality during the Gen-Z-led protests in 2024, and the Azimio-led anti-government protests which claimed many lives and left families in mourning.
“We agreed to stop the demos after our foreign friends intervened, but we demanded compensation for the families of those maimed and killed,” he reiterated.
He also expressed concern about ongoing abductions and unlawful treatment of political leaders, comparing the situation to Kenya’s colonial past, and called for an immediate end to such injustices.
At the same time, he called for the quick establishment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), emphasizing the importance of timely by-elections and a transparent process for resolving unresolved electoral disputes.
Also read,
Raila defends Adani group over JKIA, KETRACO takeover deal
Kenyan man jailed for 20 years in US for sexual assault of woman, 70
Whatever happens, God is in Control; DP Gachagua says over his impeachment
MPs lack moral authority to impeach Gachagua; Kalonzo
Senator proposes constitutional amendment to scrap president, gubernatorial running mate position
DP Gachagua to attend Embu church service after Ruto cancels his attendance
Follow us
