Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s supporters are gathering this morning for a crucial meeting to determine their stance on the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. The issue has divided the party, making it a focal point of today’s ODM Parliamentary Group and National Executive Committee joint session.
President William Ruto, speaking in Nakuru county yesterday, pledged to announce his revised cabinet in the coming week following consultations with different stakeholders.
“I am ready and willing to consult and engage different leaders because we are a democracy. We shall be forming a new team next week which will carry our dreams towards implementation,” he said.
His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, expressed full support for President Ruto’s intentions. These statements emerged amid reports of a significant division within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) regarding whether to endorse President Ruto’s proposed dialogue and potential participation in a revised cabinet.
Sources within the party revealed that factions opposed to engaging in dialogue argue it could harm their public perception, while acknowledging its appeal among the populace. They plan to use today’s meeting to oppose any involvement in talks or cabinet appointments.
Conversely, another faction within ODM has shown openness to the dialogue, viewing it as an opportunity for potential cabinet positions. A senior party official, speaking anonymously, emphasized their stance against joining the government.
The party, represented by Minority Leader in the National Assembly and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, has called for a special joint meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and Parliamentary Group today. The meeting aims to address these crucial decisions.
President Ruto emphasized Kenya’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, questioning the Ford Foundation’s involvement in sponsoring unrest and disorder. He called upon the foundation to clarify its role in recent protests across the country and warned against those promoting violence and chaos.
The President underscored that such actions would not be tolerated, stating that investigations into the activities of certain organizations operating in Kenya are underway. Ruto affirmed that Kenya’s youth are not to be involved in activities that hinder progress, labeling such endeavors as regressive.
“The Ford Foundation must explain its role in the recent protests,” he said.
Saying the government was aware of those behind anarchy in Kenya, President Ruto said they should be ashamed for sponsoring the youth to cause chaos and violence to achieve their selfish ends.
“We will call out those bent on rolling back our hard-won democracy. We want to tell them that our young people are not ready for anarchy and chaos. Kenyans want peace,” the President said.
He warned: “We will deal firmly with foundations and organisations fuelling anarchy.”
He said Kenyans elect their leaders after every five years democratically and no one should dictate to them on the nature of their leaders because the country is guided by the rule of law,” the President pointed out.
He said organisations whose only interest is to sabotage our democracy should style up or leave the country.
President Ruto cautioned the youth not to be incited to acts of violence by individuals who do not wish Kenya well.
“Don’t be misused to engage in chaos. Those who bring money to incite the youth to engage in violence will not go unpunished,” he said.
He added: “As your President, I will make sure that those who want to cause chaos will face the full force of the law.”
President Ruto concurrently reassured Kenyans of his readiness to engage leaders from various political affiliations to address the country’s challenges.
He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling issues such as the inherited debt burden and combating corruption, highlighting the importance of collaboration across different political backgrounds to find solutions for the nation.
