former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has thrown his full weight behind Governors James Orengo and Anyang’ Nyong’o, following the fiery backlash they’ve faced over their bold criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.
Addressing mourners at a charged event in Homa Bay on Friday, April 25, Raila did not hold back—he blasted the attacks on the two governors as unwarranted and defended their defiant stance. “Governor Orengo is not out of line. He is speaking within the democratic space provided by the Memorandum of Understanding between ODM and UDA,” Raila said in a firm tone, stunning supporters and critics alike.
He dismissed any claims of betrayal or infighting, saying, “Let it be clear—there is no formal coalition between ODM and UDA. We are not in bed with the government. What exists is a publicly known MoU to work on key national issues. That’s it!”
Odinga also lauded Governor Nyong’o’s sharp remarks on devolution, which many saw as a direct jab at State House. “When Prof. Nyong’o speaks on devolution, he’s simply echoing ODM’s position. Devolution is not up for negotiation,” Raila thundered.
Tensions Escalate: Nyong’o recently sparked political tremors by accusing the Ruto government of trying to roll back gains made under the 2010 Constitution. “They are dragging us back to the Nyayo era—undermining devolution, sabotaging road funding, and centralizing power. This is a systematic attack on Kenya’s progress,” Nyong’o had warned earlier in the week.
His remarks didn’t go unnoticed.
Senator Aaron Cheruiyot of Kericho hit back hard, accusing Nyong’o of political blackmail: “This is vintage ODM drama. Just when the Senate has tried to support the Council of Governors on road funds, Nyong’o pops up blaming the President. It’s a cheap shot—classic political blackmail.”
The fallout? A political storm that’s growing louder by the hour—with Raila now right at the center, backing his troops and setting the stage for what could be a seismic showdown over devolution, democracy, and the future of the MoU.
