ODM says coalition partners are using Raila as a "scapegoat for internal coalition issues"
- Published By Jedida Barasa For The Statesman Digital
- 4 months ago
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has raised concerns about recent statements made by members of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party.
According to a Monday media statement, the remarks were interpreted as calling into question ODM's and its leader, Raila Odinga's, commitment to fulfilling their roles as key opposition figures.
In a strongly worded statement, ODM leadership stated that these comments are especially troubling because they appear to be directed at Raila Odinga, the Party Leader of ODM and a key figure in the Azimio Coalition.
The criticism focusses on four former senior ODM officials—Ali Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, John Mbadi, and James Opiyo Wandayi—who have accepted positions in Kenya's Kwanza administration.
According to ODM, these individuals joined the government in their personal capacities rather than as ODM representatives, in response to a national emergency and at the president's request.
The party emphasised that there is no formal agreement between ODM and Kenya Kwanza that would imply a partnership in governance.
The ODM reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its role as a minority party, with a focus on holding the government accountable, ensuring transparency, and advocating for efficient service delivery to Kenyans.
The party also stated that it will not tolerate attempts by coalition partners to undermine its leadership or to use Raila Odinga as a scapegoat for internal Azimio coalition issues.
According to the Monday statement issued by National Chairman Gladys Wanga, ODM has a long history of sacrifice in its opposition to Kenya Kwanza policies, with the party consistently bearing the brunt of violence and repression during protests.
The party praised the four former officials for their integrity in resigning from their party positions before joining the government, contrasting this with what it described as questionable tactics by some Azimio partners.
The statement comes just a day after affiliate parties in the Azimio coalition called for the removal of ODM from the pact, citing dalliance with President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Three parties — PNU, Jubilee and DAP-K have revealed that Azimio chair, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has convened a meeting which will be used to discuss the coalition's future.
They want to explore options that would better enable the coalition to oversee and keep in check the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during a church service in Kirinyaga on Sunday, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said while it's a democratic right for members to align themselves with opposition or government, President William Ruto is now running an unconstitutional government following the recent Gen Z protests.
Kalonzo said the broad based government is riding on the blood of youths who died as they agitated for better governance.
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