The ODM Party, headed by Raila Odinga, is to be expelled from the Azimio La Umoja opposition coalition, according to parties connected to the coalition.
They point out that ODM’s recent alliance with the government goes against the fundamentals of opposition politics.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the coalition’s chair, has been requested by three parties—PNU, Jubilee, and DAP-K—to call an urgent conference to debate the coalition’s future within the next fourteen days.
In order to improve the coalition’s ability to supervise the Kenya Kwanza administration, they wish to investigate restructuring alternatives.
ODM has been accused of applying double standards, which the leaders of the PNU, DAP-K, and Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni contend is against the spirit of the 2010 constitution.
They demand that ODM make it clear if it wants to join the administration or stay in the opposition.
They contend that in light of its recent actions, ODM’s existing standing within the alliance is untenable.
“We are not saying people should not hold positions, but we are saying that 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,” he added. “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.
He stated that this restructuring has allowed him to reassess his priorities and foster greater inclusivity in his government.
