Parties affiliated with the Azimio La Umoja opposition coalition are calling for the removal of the ODM Party, led by Raila Odinga, from the alliance. They argue that ODM’s recent collaboration with the government contradicts the principles of opposition politics.
Three parties—PNU, Jubilee, and DAP-K—have urged the coalition’s chair, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, to convene an urgent meeting within 14 days to discuss the coalition’s future. They seek to explore restructuring options that would better enable the coalition to oversee the Kenya Kwanza administration.
PNU leader Peter Munya, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni have accused ODM of double standards, which they argue is against the spirit of the 2010 constitution. They insist that ODM must clarify whether it wishes to remain in the opposition or join the government, stating that ODM’s current position in the coalition is untenable given its recent actions.
“We are not saying people should not hold positions, but using people’s struggles for personal gain is unacceptable,” Munya said. “We need a formal meeting to resolve this issue so that everyone is clear on the coalition’s direction. Those who want to join the government should do so formally. This is the restructuring we are advocating for. This meeting must take place within the next 14 days.”
Wamalwa noted that Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission Chairmanship necessitates a review of the coalition’s leadership. “We will hold a formal meeting to address the current situation in our coalition.
With one of our partners joining the government while remaining in the opposition, and with Raila Odinga now cleared to run for the AUC Chairmanship, changes to the coalition’s leadership are inevitable,” Wamalwa said. “We are in the process of formalizing these changes.”
The leaders warned that if ODM fails to declare its political stance, they are prepared to leave the coalition and start anew.
The call for ODM’s removal comes after four ODM leaders were nominated for cabinet positions by President William Ruto.
These nominees include ODM Chair and Nominated MP John Mbadi (Treasury), Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), former Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs Development).
President Ruto has included these opposition figures in his government as part of his broad-based approach.
In response, President Ruto defended his decision to include opposition leaders in his cabinet, stating that this restructuring has allowed him to reassess his priorities and foster greater inclusivity in his government.
