Discontent in ODM over Raila's alliance with Ruto's regime

President William Ruto, his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni and AUC candidate Raila Odinga at the 4th edition of Piny Luo cultural festival in Bondo, Siaya County on Jan 2, 2025. [PCS] The cracks in opposition leader Raila Odinga's ODM party over the political alliance with President William Ruto loomed large before the veteran politician as key members of his party clashed over support for Ruto's administration. While several of Raila's allies have thrown their weight behind the push to support the Kenya Kwanza administration, hardliners continue to voice opposition and have vowed to keep questioning the government's excesses. This came to the fore as the party's top brass attended the burial of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) chairperson Roseline Odede in Rarieda, Siaya County. Yesterday, ODM Secretary-General and vocal government critic General Edwin Sifuna said he would not be cowed into silence about the government's excesses. He dismissed critics within the party who claimed that his constant criticism of President Ruto's government was hurting Raila's bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. READ: How Raila-Ruto deal revealed his political magic Sifuna, who appeared unbowed, stated that things were bad in the country, and he would not shy away from speaking out. "After KNCHR issued a statement in December last year condemning the abductions, the government withdrew Sh100 million in funding from KNCHR budget because of their stance. As leaders, we must stand up for the truth when something is wrong," he said. Sifuna noted that, as the secretary-general of ODM, he had received instructions from Raila to retain the party's political identity. "This party is a beacon of hope for the people and must fight for them. As the secretary-general of your party, if you go to AUC and whether you win or lose, I will hand the party back to you intact, just as you gave it to me. There are people telling me not to speak out about the excesses of this government because I am interfering with your bid," he said. Sifuna emphasised that it was President Ruto who promised Kenyans plans for their future and to get to work immediately after being sworn in. "What has changed? Our leaders from the ODM party must stop being sycophants. If something is wrong, it is wrong, and I will not join the praise and worship team who are now supporting the government and drinking milk," he added. Sifuna's sentiments were echoed by Siaya Governor James Orengo, who stated that ODM must preserve its identity and not lose it due to temporary victories. He warned that if the party compromised its principles, it would later regret it. "The previous government used to throw bodies into River Yala. After they left, there were no such bodies anymore, and I can say this without fear. The Constitution can never be suspended; we must live by its dictates. If you suspend the Constitution, you will regret it," said Orengo. He stated that to make Kenya a better place, Kenyans must uphold the rule of law and the Constitution. Raila, who described the late Odede as a steadfast and forthright person who fought for human rights, said that leaders must speak the truth as they send her to rest in peace. He stated that the Constitution did not come easily, as some people shed blood and lost their lives for it. ''Therefore, bad things must be condemned, and human rights must be respected.'' Raila said that for peace and unity to prevail, truth must be spoken, and families who lost their loved ones and those injured during the Gen Z protests must be compensated. "To have a united society, the hospital bills of those receiving treatment after being injured during protests must also be paid. If this is not done, we will continue to have chaos and divisions in Kenya. I believe in condemning bad things, and these excesses will not happen or be tolerated for as long as we are there," Raila said. He called on the Inspector-General of Police to come forward and tell the truth about the abductions, arguing that those with handcuffs are the police, not common Kenyans. "For the abductions to end and for Kenyans to have peace, the truth must be spoken. No country can be developed by lies; if you say something, you must stand by it," he noted. ALSO READ: Ruto-Raila alliance: Will it lead to political survival or ruin? Also present at the funeral were Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who delivered President Ruto's condolences message, Interior and Administration PS Raymond Omollo, Kisimu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, and several MPs. ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga differed with Sifuna and Orengo, arguing that the Luo community had been marginalised for years and the Cabinet Secretaries in government from the Nyanza region must be supported. He said the positions ODM leaders had been appointed to in the broad-based government were not favours but rights, and so President Ruto must be supported for uniting the country. "The very people who are now making noise that Raila is silent condemned him, claiming he was spoiling businesses. Today, you are moving around looking for the AUC seat, and they are asking why you are quiet. I want to tell our people that Raila has done his best for this country; as a community, we have borne the brunt. I have fought with the police. Our people must now relax," argued Wanga. She hinted at a possible coalition to clinch the presidency in the 2027 General Election. Her sentiments were supported by Kisumu West MP Rozah Buyu, who said that leaders must make tough choices and support the political side that spreads unity across the country and will not sideline their community.

Discontent in ODM over Raila's alliance with Ruto's regime

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