Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has reassured UDA supporters about remaining vigilant following ODM leader Raila Odinga’s decision to release some of his associates to collaborate with President William Ruto in the broad-based government.
Addressing attendees at a funeral ceremony in Sirisia constituency, Bungoma County, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, Barasa acknowledged the inclusion of Raila’s allies in the cabinet but emphasized that vigilance would continue to ensure no undesirable outcomes arise from the collaboration.
William Ruto ambaye ni rais wa Jamhuri ya Kenya akatafuta yule mzee ambaye alikuwa anafanya nyef nyef kwa barabara akanasa yeye sasa yeye anafanyia nyef nyef kwa serikali ndani pamoja na watu wake ndani, nchi imetulia, nchi inasonga. Sisi kama vijana wa Ruto tukiwa na mheshimiwa Kapondi (Mt Elgon MP) na Walukhe (Sirisia MP), tunajua Mzee in and out,” Barasa said.
Loosely translated to :
(President William Ruto reached out to Raila Odinga who has carried his bad manners into this government, but we know him in and out with MPs Fred Kapondi and John Walukhe.)
“Sasa wale wafuasi wa serikali ya Kenya Kwanza ambao walikuwa na wasiwasi kwamba engine huyu mzee vile amekuja kufanya kazi na sisi atatufanyia ile alifanyia Moi wakati wa KANU na Kibaki, hawezi, sisi tuko chonjo, tuko digital, mahali anatembea sisi tunachunguza yeye,” Barasa assured. translated to: (To the Kenya Kwanza supporters wary of the inclusion of Raila Odinga in this government, we want to assure you that we are closely watching every step he makes and would not allow anything unwanted to happen under our watch.)
The cooperation pact between President Ruto and Raila Odinga has elicited mixed reactions across the political spectrum. ODM politicians appear to be benefiting from the arrangement, with four of their members joining the cabinet.
In contrast, the UDA party is grappling with the implications of this unprecedented move. Some UDA politicians are uncertain about the impact this shift will have on the country’s political landscape.
Ruto’s unexpected decision to dissolve his cabinet and incorporate senior ODM officials caught many by surprise, especially given Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s earlier stance of keeping Raila Odinga away from the Kenya Kwanza administration. Gachagua, who had previously vowed to exclude Raila from government, has since revised his position. During a cabinet meeting on August 12, 2024, he emphasized the importance of tolerance.
“When I look and find Hassan Joho, Wandayi, and Mbadi in the same Cabinet with me, I appreciate that Kenya is great and we must all learn to live with each other,” Gachagua said.
