Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has unleashed a scathing attack on former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, accusing him of running a political charade—pretending to be the opposition leader while secretly wielding power within the government.

Speaking on a local media station on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Gakuya dismissed Raila’s alliance with President Ruto’s UDA as a blatant violation of parliamentary rules. He argued that Raila cannot claim to represent the opposition in the National Assembly while at the same time benefiting from high-profile government appointments.

“You can’t have it both ways,” Gakuya declared. “Raila must step down from his minority leadership role—he is no longer in the opposition. He’s firmly in bed with the government.”

The legislator pointed out that Raila’s influence in the Kenya Kwanza administration is undeniable, citing multiple Cabinet and Principal Secretary appointments secured by his allies, as well as key leadership positions in parliamentary committees.

“This is outright illegal! You can’t be the minority leader while occupying government offices,” Gakuya fumed.

He went on to accuse Raila of pulling the wool over Kenyans’ eyes, pretending to challenge the government while secretly shaping its policies.

“Raila is deceiving the public. He is deep inside the system, yet he still parades himself as the opposition. That’s pure hypocrisy!” Gakuya added.

Raila’s Growing Grip on Government

In recent months, Raila has tightened his hold on Ruto’s administration, influencing key government appointments and policy decisions.

Following the explosive Gen-Z protests in June 2024, Raila struck a deal with President Ruto, which saw five of his closest allies—Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Blue Economy), John Mbadi (Treasury), Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs), and Beatrice Askul (East African Community)—land prestigious Cabinet positions.

Then, on March 20, 2025, Raila’s clout expanded further when ex-ODM elections director Judith Pareno and Ouma Oluga were handpicked as Principal Secretaries.

Political analyst Javas Bigambo described these appointments as clear proof of Raila’s increasing power, stating that only individuals from his inner circle have been granted PS positions.

“No one outside Raila’s political network has made it into the PS list. This clearly shows that, apart from President Ruto, Raila is the second most powerful figure influencing government appointments,” Bigambo observed.

He further noted that the appointment of former Nyeri Deputy Governor Caroline Karugu—the only PS from Mt. Kenya—sent a chilling message that Raila, and not Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now holds the key to the region’s connection with the government.

“That move was a clear slap in the face for Gachagua. It tells the Mt. Kenya people that their link to Ruto’s administration isn’t the DP—it’s Raila,” Bigambo emphasized.

Opposition or Government Insider?

Since his 2022 election defeat, Raila has skillfully maneuvered his way into the corridors of power, using his political leverage to ensure his allies hold critical government positions.

His growing influence has left Kenyans questioning—has Raila completely abandoned the opposition, or is he playing a dangerous double game?