Raila Under Pressure from ODM Factions
Two weeks after signing a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga finds himself navigating a precarious political landscape.
Raila is under intense pressure from two opposing camps within his party: one faction pushing for immediate inclusion in government, and another advocating for full implementation of the agreed reforms before any appointments. The dilemma has forced him to tread cautiously, even as sections of the public and opposition leaders accuse him of betraying the Gen Z movement that protested against the government last year.
ODM Rift Widens
Insiders reveal that key ODM figures—including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed, and several Nyanza legislators—are pressuring Raila to push for a Cabinet reshuffle. On the other hand, reformists like Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati urge patience, insisting that reforms must come first.
The internal wrangles, coupled with a hostile reception in Kisii last Sunday, have reportedly made Raila hesitant about submitting his list of nominees for government positions. While initial reports suggested he had settled on ex-CSs Peter Munya, Raphael Tuju, and ODM Director of Elections Timothy Bosire for key roles, he has now shifted focus to pushing for the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report.
Backlash and Justification
The Raila-Ruto pact has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning whether the opposition still exists. Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku says the deal lacks public support unless it guarantees equitable resource allocation, while Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina claims it is merely a political arrangement to serve elite interests.
Sensing public dissatisfaction, Raila has distanced himself from accusations of switching sides, clarifying that it was President Ruto who approached him for dialogue. Speaking in Kiambu, he insisted that his only focus is on resolving national issues, not political realignments.
Meanwhile, Ruto’s allies have reportedly assured Raila that the MoU’s demands—especially the NADCO recommendations—will be met. However, analysts argue that most of these provisions are already enshrined in the Constitution, and the ongoing political maneuvering is largely about safeguarding individual and party interests.
As the standoff within ODM continues, Raila faces a defining moment in his political career—whether to press for immediate power-sharing or stand firm on reforms first.
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Raila Under Pressure from ODM Factions
