Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka has clarified that ODM leader Raila Odinga has not instructed party members to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Onyonka stated on Thursday that any agreement between Odinga and President William Ruto is a private matter between the two leaders. He emphasized that no directive has been given to ODM members regarding cooperation with the government.
“As an opposition party, we will continue to fulfill our oversight role,” Onyonka said. “My party leader discussed working with Ruto but did not instruct us to support the government. We will maintain our oversight role unless there are changes.”
This comes amidst speculation that ODM’s involvement with the Kenya Kwanza administration might impact its opposition function. The speculation arose following Raila Odinga’s arrangement with President Ruto, which resulted in at least five ODM members being appointed to the new Cabinet.
Onyonka added that he has advised the ODM members in the Cabinet to advocate for policies beneficial to the Kenyan people. If these members fail to influence favorable changes, the party will persist in its oversight duties.
The ODM party has stated that the members who joined the Cabinet did so in their personal capacities. These include Hassan Joho (Mining), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives), John Mbadi (Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), and Beatrice Askul (ASAL and Regional Development).
Raila Odinga has explained that his decision to assist President Ruto came in response to Ruto’s outreach during the Gen Z protests, and he chose capable members from the opposition to contribute to the country’s development.
